How to Prevent the Flu
For the majority catching a flu is a complete nuisance – interrupting your life and leaving you feeling crumby for a couple of weeks, but for some a flu can mean much more. People with certain health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system can be hit a lot harder by flu season and in some serious cases this can be life-threatening.
Get Vaccinated
The “Flu Shot” is recommended by experts as it is the single best way to avoid the flu. The vaccine works by injecting a weakened strain of the flu virus into your body so your immune system will learn to fight against it and prevent it in the future. There are little to no side effects when considering this option, some experience a sore arm the following day, but this vaccine will never give you the flu virus itself.
Create Germ Barriers
You’ve seen it before – someone sneezes in public and is without a tissue… Germs can linger on surfaces for up to 8 hours after someone has transferred them there. If you happen to touch a contaminated surface while germs are still alive there is a chance illness, more specifically the flu can be transferred to your body if you happen to put your hands near your eyes, nose or mouth. It is important to then take preventative measures whenever and wherever you can to reduce your germs from transmitting and receiving the germs of others. Here are a few simple tips to take into consideration:
Wash your hands with warm water and soap
- Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer – Antiseptic Gel
- Carry disinfectant wipes with you – Wet Nap Moist Towelettes
- Take precaution when using your hands around your face
Maintain Your Health
You only have one body so it is very important that you nourish it to grow healthy and strong. A stronger immune system means the ability of your body to fight off illnesses as they approach. A coupe key tips to consider every day are:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Drink 8 glasses of water
- Exercise 3-4 times per week
- Take 10,000 steps per day
- Get a minimum of 7 hours of sleep per night
Quit Smoking
It isn’t a new fact: smoking is very bad for you. In addition to increasing your risk of cancer and lung disease, smoking can make you more susceptible to the flu. There is evidence behind the fact that smokers get more flu infections than non-smokers and have an increased risk of dying from the flu so think twice before lighting up.
Take Time Off
If you do come down with the flu this season, be considerate. The flu is contagious for up to a week after you become ill. Take safety measures to ensure your friends, family, and co-workers do not come down with your sickness.
Follow these tips to keep the flu from spreading to others:
- Stay home until you are feeling better and your fever has been gone (without the help of medicine) for at least 24 hours
- If you have to sneeze or cough and are without a tissue, do it into your elbow
- Throw away all used tissues away immediately
- Wash and or sanitize your hands consistently
Wishing you a flu-free season! Feel free to contact the First Aid Canada Team with any questions you may have: 1-855-322-4243. We are here to keep you prepared.