It is now winter and this means it’s flu season again. For most of us, the flu is nothing more than a relatively common seasonal inconvenience; for most of us, it can lead to severe health consequences. Instead let’s face this head on, and try to be more careful so that we can have a healthier safer flu season this year.
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Understanding the Flu and Its Impact
The flu also famously known as influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that affects millions of people globally. The knowledge of this can help you take care of yourself better and your loved ones concerning the flu season.
The flu virus is known to cause the flu attacking the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads quite easily and this is more likely to be during the colder periods when people spend a good amount of time indoors. In most instances, flu will give mild to moderate symptoms, but in certain people, it leads to complications, for instance, old people, little children, and those with weak immunity.
Why the Flu Season is a Cause for Concern
Flu season can actually be any time between the months of October and March because when it peaks, conditions are optimal for virus transmission. To health services, pressure is more, and hospitals can easily become saturated. Taking precautions can protect not just you but help the healthcare system cope with cases in a better way.
Symptoms and signs of the flu
Being able to recognize flu symptoms early on makes the difference sometimes between the time you can recover and also prevent passing it on to others.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Flu symptoms often mimic those of the common cold but are generally more intense. Look out for:
- Fever and chills
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Runny or stuffy nose
When to See a Doctor
Most people recover from the flu on their own, but watch for warning signs that may signal a time when you might need medical help. See a doctor if you or someone close to you has difficulty breathing, continuing chest pain, confusion, or a high fever that doesn’t come down with medication.
Why Precautions Are Necessary This Season
Every year comes with the new flu seasons and new strains surfacing, so it is challenging. Its prevention decreases the likelihood not only for an individual but for the community at large. The difference made this year makes it more than any other year by keeping sharp on flu prevention.
Practical Tips on Good Flu Prevention
Prevention is still the best defense. If you follow some of these practical tips, you can very well reduce your chances of getting or spreading the flu.
Build Your Immune System
Some of the most potent weapons your body has to fight germs such as flu viruses are a strong immune system.
Eat a Healthy Diet
These include vitamin C and D foods, zinc foods, and antioxidants. When your body is equipped with the nutrient in question, it is betters positioned to repel the flu.
Get Enough Sleep
Quality sleep strengthens your immune system. Aim for 7-9 hours per night to give your body the rest it needs to stay resilient during flu season.
Practice Good Hygiene
One of the easiest yet most effective methods to keep flu away is by practicing good hygiene.
Wash Hands Often
Hand washing, especially after visiting public areas, should be done with soap and water. For the elimination of most germs that you could have contaminated yourself with, washing of hands for a least 20 seconds is enough.
Do Not Touch Your Face
From your hands it can get into your nose, mouth or eyes if you touch them.A deliberate avoidance of touching your face is one conscious effort.
Get a flu shot
One way to prevent flu is to become vaccinated. Each flu shot can prevent one type of flu most likely to occur during that season or one type of flu. It can also reduce the severity of the illness. Then there is nothing 100 percent effective to prevent it or to make symptoms even if you are a victim of the flu.
Managing Flu Symptoms at Home
Flu symptoms can be partly controlled at home meaning that if you caught the flu, here’s how to feel better quickly.
Rest and Hydration
The body has to labour and needs energy to build up the strength to fight the infection; this requires rest. Try to drink a lot of water, herbal teas or use electrolytes if you have fever and congestion as they dehydrate the body.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Fever, feverish body aches could be treated by drugs such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen and the like. That will relieve your sore throat plus it will help fight congestion and keep you on your feet.
When to See a Doctor
If an individual experiences more than a week of flu symptoms or has serious symptoms such as breathing problems or chest pains he or she should see a doctor. Any person with other chronic illness or with some form of immune compromise should run to the doctor’s service immediately.
