Typically, the flu season kicks off in early October. It normally ends in March but peaks in mid-winter.
However, it’s not uncommon for the season to begin earlier than anticipated. We have seen a few years where it’s started as early as September.
Flu affects almost everybody. The symptoms can vary depending on your health. Seniors are often at a higher risk of severe flu symptoms, including pneumonia.
But there are a few health tips you can follow to beat the flu this year. Here are some of them:
- Wash Hands Often
Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water can massively reduce the risk of viral infections, flu included.
Doctors rank hand washing only second to vaccines when it comes to preventative flu measures.
The logic behind this is simple. Germs can live on surfaces for relatively longer. Since you’re likely going to touch these surfaces, your risk of transmission rises massively. But then again, warm water and soap will easily help you deal with this.
Additionally, consider carrying a bottle of alcohol-based sanitizer in case you aren’t in a position to wash hands.
This is a preventable medical issue and it takes only a few simple personal hygiene measures. In case your symptoms get worse, a UHSM Health Share plan may be helpful to get the treatment you need without having to spend money out of your own pocket.
- Get Vaccinated
There’s no cure for the flu.
But we have vaccines that can help your body develop the required immune response to fight it. It takes two weeks for a flu vaccine to work.
For this reason, it’s always recommended you get your flu shots well in advance of the flu season.
- Don’t Touch Your Face
Flu viruses are likely going to enter your body through the nose, the mouth, or the eyes. It’s, therefore, advisable to avoid touching your face as much as you can.
I know this can be a bit challenging because face touching is a habitual thing for most of us. But even if you have to touch it, at least make sure your hands are properly sanitized.
- Use Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an excellent immune booster and it can play a key role in helping your body repel potential flu infections.
Additionally, some studies show that vitamin C can reduce the severity of flu symptoms by nearly 85%. Talk to your doctor about vitamin C supplements, they will be massively helpful.
- Don’t Stay in Crowds
Wherever there’s a crowd, there’s always a risk of rapid transmission of viral diseases including flu. You may want to avoid large gatherings at least until the flu season is behind us.
But this doesn’t mean that you should find an isolated cabin somewhere in the woods and live out the entire season.
You still need to have a social life and meet with friends and family despite the risk of flu. The great thing is that you can use hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of transmission when you’re in a crowd.
