How to Reduce your Chance of the Flu this Flu Season

 

We are right in the middle of cold and flu season. Many health professionals claim that this year?s flu season is worse than previous years have been. How can you reduce your chances of getting the flu? How can you prepare yourself for a faster recovery if you do come down with the flu? These are common questions that patients have every year and these health tips will help you navigate the rampant flu season this year.

Wash and sanitize frequently

Washing and sanitizing your hands often is the single best way to avoid catching the flu or the common cold. Germs are responsible for many of the winter related diseases. These germs are often transferred via the hands. People do not wash their hands enough and touch many public items. If you cough or sneeze into your hands, wash them. If you touch a public surface, such as a door handle or card reader, wash your hands. Bring along a bottle of sanitizer for those times that you cannot immediately wash your hands. Washing your hands regularly is important for both prevention of spreading illness and in the prevention of getting flu symptoms.

Avoid public places when ill

It is best to avoid public places altogether when you have the cold or flu symptoms. It is also important to remember that taking an over the counter medication might make you feel better, but it does not reduce your chances of passing the illness on. Many people fill up on over the counter medications and then head to work. They forget that they are ill and do not practice regular hand washing and eventually, the entire workplace is filled with illness germs. If you think you might be contagious, it is best to visit a health clinic for a doctor?s note to miss work.

Stay hydrated

Both the common cold and the flu can affect your appetite. You might not be as hungry as usual and skip a few meals, due to nausea. Although skipping a couple of meals is okay, you should still remain hydrated. Illnesses can quickly dehydrate the body and make the symptoms much worse. Additionally, staying hydrated can help you recover quicker. One of the best ways to prevent heat stress is to stay hydrated. Our bodies are about 60 to 70% water, and that water is essential for regulating body temperature. When you are ill, you are still at risk of heat stress because of the increased body temperature.

Be aware of the first symptoms of illness

Most medications work best when they are taken at the first sign of illness. You can also increase your consumption of water, fruits, vegetables. A sore throat is one of the most common first symptoms. If you notice an oncoming sore throat, schedule a visit with your primary physician or head to the local health clinic. Avoid going to the ER for a sore throat or other common cold symptoms. According to a private study conducted by Milliman, approximately 44 to 65% of all ER episodes could have been treated in a health clinic setting. Going to the ER for cold symptoms is expensive, wasteful of time, and uses up necessary resources for those with emergencies.

In the next couple of months, many people will experience common cold or flu symptoms. Utilize your local health care center to reduce the occurrence of these symptoms. An estimated 3 million patient?s visit urgent care centers each week, according to the Urgent Care Association of America. Frequent hand washing, staying home when ill, and noticing the first signs of illness, paired with taking advantage of your local health clinic, can help with the prevention of spreading the common cold or flu.