Seasonal influenza (flu) viruses can be found in the United States all year round. However, it usually spreads in the fall and winter, typically known as flu season. Usually, it peaks between December and February. So, you must brace yourself and get protected since significant flu activity can persist until May. 

Symptoms of Flu

Influenza (flu) can cause mild-to-severe illness and even death in some cases. Flu sufferers frequently exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:

• Fever or feeling feverish or shivering
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Cough
• Fatigue (tiredness)

Vomiting and diarrhea are common in some people, but more so in children than adults. It is crucial to remember that not all flu patients experience fever.

Who Are at Risk of Flu?

Hundreds die annually from influenza-related complications. It is just right that those most in danger must take proper measures to prevent catching the flu. Among those most at risk are

• Pregnant women
• People who are highly obese (a Body Mass Index of 40 and over)
• Children and adolescents (ages 6 to 18) on long-term aspirin therapy Residents of nursing homes and other care facilities
• Children under the age of five (especially those under age 2)
• Adults older than 50 (especially age 65 and over)
• Native Alaskan and Native Americans 
• Patients with specific medical conditions, including:

1. Lung Disease
2. Diabetes
3. Asthma
4. cardiac disease
5. Sickle cell anemia
6. Kidney or hepatic disease
7. Metabolic disorders
8. Poor immune systems, such as from HIV or cancer treatment
9. Conditions that can make it hard to breathe, such as seizures, nerve and muscle disorders

Healthcare workers and those caring for infants too young to receive vaccines must also obtain the vaccine to prevent flu and complications.

How to Survive the Flu Season

Your immune system is like a security system for your body. It works around the clock to protect you from viruses and bacteria that can make you sick. Maintaining a healthy immune system is one of the many ways you can prevent the flu.

Poor nutrition, chronic stress, and inadequate sleep can weaken your immune system, which makes you susceptible to the disease. Here are flu season safety tips to prevent and recover from the illness. 

1. Get Vaccinated 

Receiving an annual flu immunization is the most effective method to protect yourself from the seasonal flu virus and help stop the spread of the illness. The flu virus can infect anyone, even the healthy and fit.

Getting a flu shot helps boost herd immunity. By getting vaccinated, you can also help. You will help protect those who aren't able to get vaccinated, such as newborns or people with weak immune systems.

2. Get a Lot of Sleep.

As the CDC advised, getting enough sleep is one of the flu prevention tips. This will help you avoid the seasonal flu. Studies have shown that sleep helps keep the immune system working well and that chronic sleep loss is a risk factor for an immune system that doesn't work as well as it should.

3. Wash your hands.

Viruses can persist outside the human body for a while. You can get infected by shaking a sick person's hand or touching heavily used objects like a doorknob or refrigerator door, then touching your face. 

Handwashing can help you avoid getting sick since it will prevent you from getting the virus. When you wash your hands with soap, you get rid of germs.

Often people need to wash their hands better, especially around their fingernails, between their fingers, and on the backs of their hands. It is advisable to cleanse your hands with warm water and soap before eating. It should take at least 20 seconds to wash your hands. Also, be sure to dry your hands thoroughly.

4. Drink Lots of Water

It would be beneficial to drink lots of water when you have influenza, or what most people call the flu. Keeping hydrated can help you and your family get better when you are sick because fluids and electrolytes help the body work right. Here are two of the ways that drinking water helps:

 a. Strengthens the immune system. - Staying hydrated strengthens your immune system. The immune cells travel through your system to fight infections. Water is an essential part of lymph, a transparent white fluid with many white blood cells, like lymphocytes, that attack invaders in the blood to help you stay healthy.

 b. Lowers the fever - Water is essential for keeping the body's core temperature steady, and dehydration can worsen a fever.

5. Have Proper Nutrition

You should have a robust immune system. Consuming a diet rich in whole foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds is essential. Eating healthily throughout the year is an excellent approach to increasing immunity and how to prevent sicknesses such as the flu.

Additionally, consuming foods rich in minerals and antioxidants, such as vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, peppers, and grapefruit, can be beneficial.

6. Sanitize and Clean Your Surfaces

One of the many ways to prevent the flu is to disinfect surfaces at home. Keeping your home clean can lower your chance of catching influenza if someone in your household has the virus. This can eliminate influenza viruses.

Several times daily, use a disinfectant cleaner to wipe off doorknobs, telephones, toys, and light switches, among other frequently touched surfaces. Additionally, the sick individual should isolate oneself in a particular area of the home.

Wear a medical mask and gloves when caring for this individual.

Survive the Flu Season With Your Doctor

AllMed Medical Center values the health of you and your family. To assist you in surviving the flu season, we provide top-tier medical care. Flu protection is available through our vaccination program and is guaranteed safe and effective.

You can schedule an appointment by dialing our helpline at 1-8333-255-6332. Additionally, you can select the clinic of your choice by clicking here.

We look forward to hearing from you soonest!