How to prepare for the upcoming flu season
This flu season, protect yourself and others from getting sick with these health tips and habits.
With school now back in session and colder months on the way, flu season is soon to be in full swing.
There are many healthy habits you can start building now to help prevent the spread of flu to your home, at your child’s school, or in your workplace.
First things first: get vaccinated
Research shows that getting your seasonal flu vaccine in the fall reduces your risk of getting sick by 40-60%. Even if you do catch flu, getting vaccinated can help reduce the severity of any symptoms you may experience. The vaccine works by helping you develop antibodies for flu strains – which vary from year to year – that may be most prevalent during the upcoming season.
There are many different vaccines to choose from, but the standard flu shot is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. After the shot is administered, you may experience some minor side effects, including:
- Soreness where the shot was given (often your upper arm)
- Headache
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
These side effects are typically short-lived and can be easily managed at home with over-the-counter pain medicine (as per the recommendation of your healthcare provider).
Stay home when you are sick
Help protect your friends, family, coworkers and neighbors who might be considered high risk, which includes anyone who is 65 or older, pregnant or immunocompromised due to a chronic condition. These individuals have a higher chance of developing more serious complications from getting sick with flu—including hospitalization, or even death. If you start to feel symptoms, staying home and avoiding others can help contain the spread of germs away from those at risk.
Disinfect surfaces
Maintaining a clean and safe environment in which to live, work and learn is important year-round. It’s good to keep a supply of disinfectant cleaners, hand sanitizers and disposable wipes on hand, and regularly clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, faucets and light switches.
Washing hands thoroughly and often will also help your household remain germ free all year long.
Focus on whole-body health
Staying physically active, eating healthy foods and getting plenty of sleep are all good practices that help your immune system stay strong and well equipped to fight viruses like flu. Adopting these habits early on can also help to prevent health conditions that weaken your immune function, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Due for your annual flu shot? Evernorth Care Group welcomes walk-ins at all our Urgent Care locations. Find one near you here.
To schedule a flu shot at one of our health centers, call 800.233.3264.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm