Flu season comes every year with thousands of Canadians contracting the virus. While the bulk of the attention is on COVID-19 right now, and justifiably so, it is still important to take steps to keep yourself immune from the seasonal flu. A lot of the measures put into place to reduce spread of the pandemic is also applicable to fighting the effects of the flu. You will want to follow many of the steps that are already in place to protect yourself.
Even though there are no guaranteed ways to prevent getting the influenza virus, there are a lot of steps that you can take to reduce your chances of catching it. The first and most imp
Even though there are no guaranteed ways to prevent getting the influenza virus, there are a lot of steps that you can take to reduce your chances of catching it. The first and most important is to get a flu shot each year.
Get A Flu Shot
It is important that every eligible person get a flu show each year.
“Getting a flu shot, or flu vaccine, is the single most effective way to protect oneself and others from the illness, says Hannah Nichols Medical New Today.
“A seasonal flu shot protects against the flu-causing viruses that research indicates will predominate during the year’s flu season. One shot usually protects against three or four different viruses,” she adds.
It is recommended to get your shot early in fall (September or October). But getting a shot anytime during the year can help protect you.
10 Ways To Be Proactive About Your Health
A strong immune system is a key factor to help fight off the symptoms of the flu. There are a lot of small things you can do each day to help you stay healthy during flu season. Here are some things you can do:
- Avoid close contact with others if you are not feeling well. Conversely, try to stay away from others who are ill.
- If you feel ill, stay home from work or school. This will help prevent you from potentially spreading the flu and other viruses to other people.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or cough/sneeze into your elbow.
- Wash your hands regularly. More is better. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you cannot wash your hands. Sanitize your hands frequently when you are out in public.
- Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, nose, or face. This is particularly important if you have not recently washed your hands.
- Disinfect surfaces regularly – do this at home, work, in your vehicle, and all other high traffic areas you touch frequently.
- Ensure you get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per day.
- Be active. Ensure you get moderate exercise on a daily basis.
- Take steps to reduce stress in your life.
- Eat a well balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamin D, and other important nutrients.
Taking these steps will help you and others stay immune from getting the seasonal flu. All it takes is a little concerted effort on your part to help keep everyone safe and healthy.
