Cold and Flu Season Tips
During the cold and flu seasons there are viruses that usually come and go in just a few days but don’t really create any serious problems. But there are some that cause sever health issues. Cold and flu although may share some similar symptoms, they are completely different from each other.
Unlike the common colds, flu can suddenly come; it’s usually more serious and can last for weeks. Common symptoms of flu include chills, fever, dry cough, fatigue, body aches and head ache. Other flu symptoms like watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose are mistaken for common colds. In some cases nausea and vomiting are experienced by young children. The yearly flu vaccine can give you some protection against the flu virus. The flu season in the U.S is usually between the months of November and April. There are some cold and flu season tips that can help prevent the spread of the flu virus.
Maintaining good health practices like hand washing and covering your sneeze are just some of the cold and flu season tips recommended by doctors to help prevent the transmission of the flu virus. Another way to prevent you from being infected is through annual vaccination. Antiviral drugs against flu are also available to treat patients with influenza infection. Other cold and flu season tips are as follows:
List of Cold and Flu Season Tips
- Try to minimize close physical contact with persons infected by the flu virus. Try to avoid exposing yourself to other people as much as possible if you think that you’re sick, this is to prevent other people from being sick too.
- If you’re sick try not to go out to school, work or other errands as much as possible. This will help avoid other people from acquiring the flu virus through you.
- Whenever you cough or sneeze, always make sure that you properly cover your mouth and nose. The flu virus is airborne, so other people in the room might be able to breathe in the virus and make them sick as well. Use a handkerchief or the inner part of your elbow for cover if you don’t have a tissue. Don’t use your bare hands for cover.
- Remove the germs that may be hiding in your hands by practicing proper hand washing techniques. It is preferable that you use an anti-bacterial soap and running water when hand washing. But if these are not available, you can also use a hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to disinfect your hands. Avoid touching your face with your bare hands.
- One of the most effective cold and flu season tips is keeping your overall health in good shape. It is important that you practice healthy habits all year round so that you’re immune system is in perfect condition. Healthy practices include physical exercise, stress management, proper fluid intake, healthy diet and proper rest.
