One of the ways a people can protect themselves from getting any type of illness is by developing good health habits, such as eating a balanced diet and exercising daily. Getting sufficient rest is especially important. The average adult needs eight hours of sleep. Too many all nighters, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking can weaken the immune system making the body more vulnerable for the flu.
Family Nurse Practitioner at University Health Services Jim Martin recommends using the fist bump or wave as an alternative to shaking hands during the flu season.
"Nobody should be ever be paranoid, just be cautious," said Martin.
Washing hands with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds or use a 60 to 95 percent alcohol-based hand cleanser prevents the spread of germs.
The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S Department of Health and Human Services recommends avoiding contact between the eyes, nose, or mouth and hands.
Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and discard the tissue. Flu Viruses are mostly spread through coughing and sneezing.
Seasonal vaccinations help protect a person from the flu for about a year. September and November are the best times to get vaccinated. Usually around these months free seasonal vaccinations are offered at local universities, department stores, and clinics.
Consult a doctor immediately if flu-like symptoms begin to show. The symptoms include coughing, severe body aches, sore throat, and a fever of 102 degrees or greater. Getting treatment early will prevent the symptoms from progressing even worse.
"The best thing to do is keep the body hydrated." said Family Nurse Practitioner at University Health Services Greg Heath. The best way to keep hydrated is drinking plenty of water or sports drinks such as Gatorade.
After getting the flu, the body feels run down. Avoid strenuous activities and get plenty of rest. Breathing steam from humidifiers and a hot shower can help clear sinuses and relax the body for better rest. Take an aspirin for mild muscle ache and high fever to ease the pain.
If symptoms are unusually severe such as chest pains, rash, or stiff neck always consult with the doctor before taking or combining any medications.
Beside tables, bathrooms, and kitchen counters should be wiped down with a household disinfectant. Clothes, bed sheets, and dishes don't have to be washed separately; however, health officials advise that hands should be cleansed after handling unwashed items.
Women should also throw out contaminated makeup to avoid spreading germs. The flu virus can continue to live and spread on surfaces if not disinfected.
"The flu is a serious issue but very few have been life threatening." said Heath.
According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report there are five initial target groups with the greatest risk of the flu. These groups include:
- Pregnant women
- People who live with or care for infants
- Health care and emergency medical services personnel
- Infants
- People aged 25 to 64 years with medical conditions that put them at a higher risk for influenza.
I hope that you found these tips to be useful. Take precautions, stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and get regular health check-ups with the doctor.
This article was originally published in The West Georgian.
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