The winter and early spring season is a time we should all spend on our toes. As the weather fluctuates and the influenza virus gives us a visit, it’s imperative to know how to manage your flu. In fact, it’s even better if we know ways we can stop it from spreading.
As the season goes along, more people will start falling victim to this mostly harmless and deeply uncomfortable illness. To help you manage your flu and to stop the spread of the virus, we offer some tips to save yourselves and your loved ones from the disease.
Before we get to the tips though, we should know what the symptoms of the flu are.
Symptoms of the Flu
The flu is caused by the influenza virus. It is interesting to know that there is no known cure for the disease. Even more interesting is the fact that there are four variations of the virus that affect the body in different ways.
Although each virus has different chemical and biological properties, they usually show the same symptoms across the board. So if you find yourself experiencing the following symptoms, it is safe to say that you have the flu:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny or Stuffy Nose
- Body Aches
- Chills
- Fatigue
If you observe these symptoms, it would probably be a good idea to go to your family physician for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Although there are very few illnesses that are as prevalent as the flu, it is possible to protect yourself from it as well. During a flu outbreak or as you feel the seasons changing, you should take the following precautions:
1. Get Vaccinated
Getting a flu shot is one of the first things you should get done at the beginning of flu season. These vaccinations are administered keeping in mind what strain of the virus is likely to show up to cause the flu.
There is no guarantee that the vaccination works, because it’s possible that the expectations we’ve set are wrong. However, more often than not, we are pretty accurate about what strain needs to be vaccinated against.
2. Keep yourself covered
A large part of why people get the flu is because they expose themselves to virus carriers. The flu virus can be carried on the winds and by other people. Protecting yourself from the wintery winds and reducing exposure to the cold can go a long way in helping you stay safe from the flu.
Assuming that you have gotten the flu, covering yourself as you cough or sneeze will prevent the spread of the disease to other people.
3. Increase Vitamin Intake
Vitamins are essential for a strong immune system and helping overcome the symptoms of the flu. During this season, it will help if you begin adding essential vitamins such as Vitamins A, C and D into your diet. As long as you eat healthy, your body will keep fighting off viral attacks.
4. Always wash your hands
As a precautionary measure against the flu, you can never go wrong with maintaining good hygiene. Since it’s very likely that you will come across someone with the flu, regularly washing your hands will help reduce the chances of an infection. It will also reduce the risk of spreading the disease to more people.
5. Keep all Surfaces Clean and Disinfected
Don’t leave anything to chance. It’s possible that the surfaces in your house or workplace have been in contact with a flu carrier. In order to avoid getting the flu from these surfaces, it’s advised that you ought to keep them disinfected and clean for as long as possible.
Stripes Primary Care clinics are healthcare providers in Arizona. With clinics in Mesa, Gold Canyon and the Apache Junction, Stripes Primary Care conducts health checkups, offer preventive vaccinations and allergy treatments.
Get in touch with Stripes Primary Care clinics for more information on their services or to book an appointment with a doctor today.