Preventing the flu with these 6 easy ways in the midst of this pandemic The flu is a respiratory infection that affects several people every year. Anyone can catch the flu virus. Usually the flu causes several signs, such as fever, soreness, runny nose, cough, sore throat, and tiredness. These signs generally get better in about 1 week without any complications.
But for older adults, whose immune mechanisms may be less powerful, flu can be risky. The risk of flu-related complexities, such as pneumonia, is higher for older adults.
Up to 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths occur in people 65 years of age or older. If you fall into this age group, it is important for you to know how to protect yourself before and after being exposed to the virus.
Even now in the midst of the Covid-19 outbreak, flu prevention measures are increasingly necessary. Releasing the CDC, the greatest way to contain the seasonal flu is to get vaccinated every year, but good health routines like avoiding people who are sick, covering your mouth when coughing, and frequent hand hygiene can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.
Here are six efficient steps to contain the flu and keep the body healthy.
Avoiding large crowds is often difficult, but this must be done, especially during the Covid-19 outbreak. Limit contact with several people during flu season, can reduce the risk of infection. What’s more, the flu can spread quickly in a closed room. This includes schools, workplaces, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
During the Covid-19 outbreak, the use of a face mask is strictly recommended every time you leave the house. You can also protect yourself by staying away from people who are sick. Keep your distance from anyone who is coughing, sneezing or experiencing signs of the flu or other viruses.
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Clean hands regularly
Because the flu virus can live on hard surfaces, wash your hands regularly, especially before preparing food and eating. In addition, continue to clean hands after using the bathroom.
Use hand sanitizer to clean your hands, when you can’t find soap and water.
Also, try not to touch your nose, mouth, or eyes, after touching objects that many people hold, such as doorknobs, light switches, and elevator buttons.
The flu virus can be spread in the air, but can enter your body when the affected hand touches your face.
When cleaning your hands, use warm soapy water and rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Wash your hands and dry with a clean towel.
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Strengthen the immune system
Strengthening the immune system is another way to protect yourself from the flu. A strong immune system helps the body fight infection. If you fall ill, a strong immune system helps reduce the severity of the symptoms.
To build immunity, sleep at least 7 to 9 hours per night. , maintain a regular physical routine – at least 30 minutes, 3x a week.
Apply a healthy eating plan and contain lots of nutrients. Watch out for sugar, junk food, and foods high in fat. Instead, eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants, to promote health.
Talk to your doctor about taking a multivitamin to provide immune support.
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Clean and disinfect all surfaces
The Covid-19 outbreak must have taught us to always maintain cleanliness. Not only personal hygiene, but also cleanliness in the environment.
If someone in your house has the flu, minimize the risk of contracting it by keeping every surface of the object in the house clean. This can help kill flu germs.
Use a disinfectant washer to wipe doorknobs, phones, toys, light switches, and other high-touch surfaces frequently on a daily basis. Sick people should also quarantine themselves to a specific side of the house.
If you keep a sick person indoors, wear a surgical mask and gloves when caring for them, and clean your hands next.
Make sure you get the flu shot every year. The flu virus spreads differently from year to year, so you will need to update your vaccinations every year.
Keep in mind that it will take about two weeks for the vaccine to be effective. If you catch the flu after vaccination, the shots can reduce the severity and duration of your illness.
Due to the high risk of complexity to people over the age of 65, try to get a flu shot at the beginning of the season. For those of you who are 65 years old, discuss with your doctor the chances of getting a high amount of the flu vaccine.
The high-dose vaccine contains about 4x the amount of antigen as the common cold shot. Adjuvant vaccines contain chemicals that excite the immune mechanism. These injections can create a stronger immune response to vaccinations.
Unless you get your annual flu shot, ask your doctor about the pneumococcal vaccination. This will protect you from pneumonia, meningitis, and other bloodstream infections.
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Talk to your doctor if you have flu symptoms
Because the flu can be dangerous for people over the age of 65, see a doctor if you experience flu symptoms. Signs that need attention are fever, cough, sore throat, aches, headaches, tiredness, runny or stuffy nose.
These symptoms overlap with other respiratory infections, such as Covid-19. Your doctor may ask you to do a Covid-19 test. While waiting for the test results, it is important to cover yourself, wear a mask, and maintain good hygiene.
There is no cure for the flu. But if you catch a virus and see a doctor sooner, you may be able to receive a prescription for an antiviral medication such as Tamiflu.
When taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms, antivirals can shorten the time of the flu and reduce the severity of symptoms. Besides, it will reduce the risk of complexities, such as pneumonia.
Source: kompas.com
