Flu is one of the most common infectious diseases and it is spread through coughing and sneezing. The infection may be quite unpleasant since it causes a very significant discomfort to the patient. Flu (or influenza) is pretty common during the winter. The infection can disappear in a week’s time. It is, however, wise to prevent it rather than curing. Below are eight ways in which the flu can be prevented.
1. Flu vaccine
According to the experts, the best of the ways of preventing flu is by getting the flu vaccine. Taking a flu shot is highly recommended. The flu shot is considered very effective since is contains an alive but weakened form of the virus. This is best recommended at early fall of the winter. It can, however, be done at any time during the winter season. There are various qu viruses but the vaccine provides protection against the most common of the viruses. One of the commonest of such vaccines is H1N1 for the swine flu. For children less than 2 years and adults aged over 18, they are given an annual anti-flu vaccine injection or flu shot while for those aged between 2 and 17; they are given a nasal spray.
2. Avoid close contact with sick people.
The flu virus has been scientifically proven to quickly spread when one comes into contact with those who are infected with the virus. The virus can get spread through coughing, sneezing or even physically coming in contact with the sick. It is therefore recommended by the doctors that a person should avoid contact with such infected persons.
3. Wash your hands often
It is a brilliant idea to wash hands frequently with soap and warm water to help protect you from the germs; in this case that cause the flu. Hands touch almost everything and they cannot avoid carrying germs. If possible, use an alcohol-based hand rub for better prevention.
4. Cover your nose and mouth while sneezing
If you are infected with a quad, it is advisable that you cover your mouth and nose with a tissue paper or a handkerchief when sneezing or coughing so that the infection cannot spread to those around you.
5. Cease touching your nose, eyes, and mouth
Generally, germs spread upon touching a contaminated thing, and so are the flu viruses. There is, therefore, a risk of contracting the flu when you keep touching your mouth, nose or the eyes with your hands. The hands may be carrying the virus, which will then get to you through those places.
6. Stay home when you are sick
If you are infected with the flu, there are high chances of you infecting other people around you, especially through sneezing and coughing. It will, therefore, be effectively preventive if you stay at home, thus reducing or avoiding contact with those who are not infected. Staying away from school or even work may be helpful.
7. Take an antiviral medication
When there is a lot of flu around or you have been in contact with a person with a flu-like illness, it is highly recommendable that you antiviral medicines such as zanamivir to help prevent you from contacting the infection. This is crucial to people of the age above 65 years, pregnant women or people with conditions that are likely to place them at a risk of complications of flu, like heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, neurological disease or lung disease.
8. Practice good hygiene
Putting used tissues in the bin soon, and cleaning surfaces such as the door handle, telephone, and even the keyboard are as important methods of preventing the flu as the above-named sine they help one reduce chances of contracting the virus.
