Ah, fall. The time of year when the leaves are changing color, the days are getting shorter, and we're all just praying that we don't catch the flu. Although there's no specific way to avoid getting sick, there are a few things you can do to help reduce your chances of catching the flu bug.
So if you're looking for tips on staying healthy this flu season, keep reading!
One of the best ways to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated yearly. The influenza vaccine is typically available starting in October, so be sure to get yours as soon as it's available. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective, so getting vaccinated early is vital.
Vaccination is essential for people at high risk of developing severe complications from the flu, such as pregnant women, children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions.
One of the simplest ways to reduce your risk of getting sick is to wash your hands regularly, especially before eating.
Be sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.
Washing your hands is especially important after you have been in contact with people who are sick or after you have been in a public place where germs are more likely to be present.
Another way to reduce your risk of catching the flu is to avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes. If you do happen to touch your face, be sure to wash your hands afterward.
Stay away from sick people.
If you're around someone sick, staying away from them as much as possible is essential. This means avoiding close contacts, such as hugging, kissing, or shaking hands.
It's also a good idea to avoid sharing personal items, in particular, with someone who is sick, such as utensils, cups, or towels.
Another simple way to help prevent the flu is to practice good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough and disposing of used tissues properly.
It's also a good idea to avoid sharing cups or eating utensils with others and to clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as door knobs and countertops.
If you do happen to get sick, it's important to stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the illness to others. This is especially true if you have a fever, as you are most contagious when you are running a fever.
Drinking plenty of fluids is vital for everyone, but it's crucial when you're sick. Staying hydrated will help your body fight off the virus and will also help to thin out mucus, so it's easier to cough up.
Also, avoid alcohol as it can dehydrate your body and make you feel worse.
Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help to boost your immune system and give your body the nutrients it needs to fight off the virus.
Also, avoid sugary foods and drinks as they can weaken your immune system.
When you're sick, your body needs plenty of rest to help fight off the infection. So be sure to get plenty of sleep and take it easy when feeling under the weather.
We all know how difficult that can be during the holidays, but stress can take a toll on our health, making us more likely to get sick. So try to take some time for yourself and relax when you can.
By following these simple tips, you can help reduce your risk of getting sick this flu season. So be vaccinated, wash your hands regularly, and stay away from sick people. If you get sick, drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.
At Urgent Care of The Palm Beaches, our goal is always to provide the best possible care for our patients, and we adhere to the highest ethical standards.
Our state-of-the-art facility provides various health care services, including flu shots in Palm Beach County. Our urgent care centers also offer vaccinations and tests for various pathogens, including COVID-19 testing and Rapid COVID testing.
Moreover, we are currently offering free COVID-19 treatment in Florida – Oral COVID medication – Paxlovid & Lagevrio
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The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
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