Beware, Americans, the flu season is officially here. And if you have noticed that your family, friends, or neighbors have been down with flu, it’s your time to get a flu shot and protect yourself from this dreaded season. And if you are above 65, it is needless to say that you must get a high-dose flu vaccine shot.
Read on to know how to stay healthy and prevent yourself from catching the flu.
- Get Your Flu Shot
It is extremely important to roll up your sleeves and get vaccinated to prevent catching influenza, according to Dr. William Schaffner from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
The flu vaccine is a combination of four different inactive influenza strains, which “provides complete protection to some people and partial protection to others,” said Dr. Schaffner.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says you may still catch a common cold or get exposed to the flu before or two weeks after taking the shot because your body is trying to build up immunity.
Health officials say anyone over 6 months can get the flu shot and October is the prime month to get it for maximum protection against the flu. Having said that, it is never too late when it comes to taking the flu shot.
- Wash Your Hands
In order to stay away from catching the flu, make sure you wash your hands with soap and warm water thoroughly. Remember, just a quick wash is not enough. “Keep shared spaces clean to prevent the spread of germs,” said Dr. Richard Webby from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
Once your child returns home from school, take them directly to the bathroom and get their hands washed thoroughly before they touch anything in the house. This could help minimize the risk of unwanted viruses from entering your home.
- Stay Cautious
You must stay away from sick people who cough and sneeze. Try to be cautious when such people are around you. This may help reduce the risk of catching the flu. Maintain good hygiene if you want to protect yourself from catching the flu.
- Get an antiviral drug
Influenza is a viral infection so antibiotics would be of no use. You can check with your PCP and ask for antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu. If you experience any symptoms of the flu, it is better to take an antiviral drug at the earliest.
