From December to March, flu season is at its peak. Although most people with influenza will recover without additional medical issues, influenza can cause serious illness and potential health complications, so it is important to know how to protect yourself and others from the flu.
It is You VS. the Flu—Let us fight this together!
Overview
- How to Spot Symptoms
- Preventing the Flu
- Treatment
- How to Stop the Spread
How to Spot Symptoms
People with the flu often experience fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and/or fatigue. But how can you tell if you have a cold or the flu?
With a cold, your symptoms typically occur around your nose and face, as well as a sore throat. Cold symptoms onset more gradually than the flu and you may have a low-grade fever but you should not experience high fevers. It can also cause a cough but you should not experience shortness of breath.
With the flu, you may start to feel symptoms all of a sudden or all at once. You may experience all the previous symptoms mentioned before, but also, shortness of breath and dehydration.
Preventing the Flu
- Get your vaccines – The flu shot will often protect you from a serious case of the flu
- Take your vitamins and supplements – Vitamins C and D, Zinc, and Echinacea have evidence-based efficacy on these immune system barriers.
- Exercise and eat a balanced diet to build your immune system
- Have a healthy sleep schedule – at least 8 hours of sleep every night
- Calm down and reduce your stress levels
- Wash your hands
- Use hand sanitizer throughout the day
- Don’t touch your face with dirty hands
Treatment
- Stay inside and get plenty of rest
- Add moisture to the air with a humidifier
- Consume plenty of water and clear fluids
- Visit a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan
How to Stop the Spread
If you have the flu, it is important to not spread the virus and infect other people. Stick with the 3 Cs:
- Clean: Wash your hands often with soap and water for 30 seconds or more
- Cover: Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your mouth and nose when you cough/ sneeze.
- Contain: Stay at home until you are well again, so you do not spread germs and avoid contact with others.
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