With the flu season upon us in North Texas, here are some effective ways you can prepare.
Strive For Optimal Health
While getting the flu may be challenging to avoid, there are several things you can do to help limit the odds of getting sick. One of the most important is ensuring your body is primed to fight any infection it might come into contact with.
The Red Cross recommends following a balanced diet, drinking lots of fluids, and exercising daily. In addition, manage stress and get restful sleep every night.
Wash Your Hands
You have heard it your entire life, and for good reason. Washing your hands is one of the simplest ways to combat influenza. It can help substantially lower the chances of getting sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says handwashing can reduce respiratory illnesses by as much as 21%.
Effective handwashing should take at least 20 seconds and cover the entire surface of both hands. Take extra care to clean your fingernails and any location where jewelry is worn. When finished, it is important to thoroughly dry your hands and turn off the faucet using a towel to avoid subsequent contact with germs.
Stock Up on Supplies
While outright avoidance of the flu is preferred, you may still contract the virus. If you do, ensuring easy access to over-the-counter medications can help ease symptoms like a runny nose or headache.
Eric Futscher, M.D., a family medicine physician with the Texas Health Alliance and Teax Health Family Care in Grapevine, suggests keeping acetaminophen or nonsteroidal-anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), cough syrup, decongestants, and antihistamines on hand during flu season.
“I also advise that you make sure you have a thermometer that is functioning and has batteries before the season begins. The last thing you want is to reach for the thermometer when you need it only to find it isn’t working… You can also change the filter on your humidifier (if you have one) in preparation, in addition to having warm and cool compresses available. In anticipation of potentially being home sick for a few days, it’s a good idea to have a couple of days’ worth of food, water and possibly an electrolyte beverage available,” suggests Futscher, per Texas Health.
Consider the Flu Shot
The CDC recommends individuals older than six months get a flu shot annually at the end of October. According to the health agency, vaccinations cut the risk of flu-related medical visits for children by roughly two-thirds during the last flu season.
Before getting a vaccine, ensure you talk to your healthcare provider.