With winter around the corner and sudden changes in the temperature, the climate is apt for the flu virus to spread easily. Kids, pregnant women, diabetics, elderly people and those with a weak immune system are at a high risk of suffering from this viral infection. Hence, it is wise to follow preventive measures to protect from seasonal flu rather than get it treated after acquiring the infection.
Tips to follow to prevent seasonal flu
To help you stay safe and prevent seasonal flu, here are a few tips you should follow.
1. Cover your nose and mouth while sneezing/coughing
The virus can spread from a person to others through coughing, sneezing or coming in contact with contaminated surfaces. It is wise to use disposable tissues instead of a handkerchief if you have a cold or a cough as you can dispose the tissue after use. Avoid reusing your handkerchief. Also, when you cough, don’t cup your hands around your mouth. Cough into your elbow instead. It’s recommended to wash hands after a sneeze or a cough to get rid of potential contamination.
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2. Wash your hands frequently
Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, especially after sneezing, coughing and before and after meals. This is because, the virus can be deposited on common objects like doorknobs, laptops, desks, phones, and chairs. So touching these objects and not washing your hands can increase the risk of acquiring the infection.
3. Use a hand sanitizer
It is advised to carry a hand sanitizer as it comes handy especially when you don’t have access to water and soap. If a person suffering from flu touches your personal belongings or if you have touched pens or door handles, it is wise to use a hand sanitizer as these might be loaded with germs. Also, avoid shaking hands with a person who is sick as the chances of transmission are higher. In such cases, using a sanitizer is the best bet.
4. Avoid touching the eyes/mouth/face
Keep your hands off the face. Also avoid any temptation to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth too frequently as it can increase the risk of viral transmission within your body leading to diseases like conjunctivitis, respiratory tract infections, etc. If you come in close contact, share any objects or shake hands with people suffering from seasonal flu, there are chances of viral transmission. If possible avoid these contacts and if you get in contact with a sick person do not forget to wash your hands.
5. Wear respirators or masks
Face masks, also known as respirators are one of the effective ways to prevent the transmission of the flu virus and other seasonal viruses. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people who are at a high risk of suffering from flu such as a vulnerable population or caregivers should use face masks. Also, if you are sick, then it is advised to wear a face mask to prevent the spread of the illness. Also for some specific viral infections like ‘Swine Flu’ specific respirator masks, known as N95 masks, are recommended.
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6. Avoid crowded places
It is best to stay out of crowded places as far as possible. This is because, close proximity with sick people, especially people who have flu, heightens your chances of getting flu. If you have to get out in public, then try to maintain a distance of at least six feet to avoid airborne transmission. Children, less than five years and elderly individuals should avoid crowded places as they are at high risk. Also, if you feel sick it is better to stay away from school/work to prevent the spread of the infection.
7. Boost your immunity
In order to prevent seasonal flu and protect yourself from the flu virus, it is important to boost your immunity. It is advised to drink loads of water and eat a balanced diet, preferably home-cooked food. Add lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet as it provides essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which strengthens your immune system and helps you to fight diseases. You can even try dietary nutritional supplements to boost your immunity and prevent flu.
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Vaccination is also one of the effective ways to prevent seasonal flu. But vaccines are usually recommended only for people who are in the high-risk group such as kids, elders, pregnant women or those suffering from diabetes, asthma or heart disease or people living in high-risk areas. Do consult your doctor for advice on vaccination for you and your family. Also, if you experience any cold-like symptoms that fail to show any improvement or if you stay in an area affected with seasonal flu and experience symptoms of seasonal flu, do consult a doctor immediately.
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(The article is reviewed by Dr. Lalit Kanodia, General Physician)