Flu cases are on the rise: Take these 8 steps to protect yourself and …

Understanding the Flu Virus

The flu, otherwise known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe sickness and at times can lead to death. Not everyone will experience symptoms, but for those that do, the effects can be quite significant; sometimes even life threatening.

The key to managing the flu virus starts with understanding how it operates. Contrary to common belief, the flu isn’t one single type of virus. There are several strains circulating each year, which makes developing a universal vaccine challenging. Remember: information is power, especially when dealing with something as potentially serious as the flu.

To put this into context, imagine the flu virus as a burglar trying to get into your home. The burglar may change their methods several times to find the most effective way in. Similarly, the ‘burglar’ or flu virus changes its characteristics often so that it can evade the immune system.

• The flu viruses most commonly infect the nose, throat and lungs.
• Influenza comes in different forms including A, B, C and D.
• Type A and B cause seasonal epidemics almost every winter in the United States.
• The pandemic flu, a global outbreak of a new subtype, is typically a Type A.
• Type C usually causes mild respiratory illness.
• Type D primarily affects cattle and isn’t known to infect people.

Importance of Vaccination

Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed time from work and school due to flu. It can also prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Many people avoid vaccines for various reasons — some fear side effects while others believe they’re unnecessary if they are generally healthy. However, getting vaccinated substantially minimises the risks associated with the flu.

Take this scenario: you’re on a ship heading into a storm. The crew distributes life vests as a precautionary measure. Wearing the life vest doesn’t guarantee you won’t face danger, but it dramatically reduces your risk if something happens. The flu vaccine functions similarly. It might not offer 100% protection, but it can lessen the severity of the disease if you catch it and prevent serious complications.

• The vaccination alters each year to fight against the most common strains.
• Everyone six-months of age and older should get vaccinated annually.
• It takes about two weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination.
• Vaccines are typically 40% to 60% effective in preventing the flu.
• If you’ve been vaccinated and still get the flu, symptoms will generally be milder.
• Getting vaccinated also helps protect those around you who may be vulnerable to severe illness.

Maintaining a Healthy Routine

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to health. In addition to getting the seasonal flu shot, maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise can help to strengthen your immune system to increase your chances of avoiding the flu.

Imagine your body as a car engine, requiring premium fuel and proper maintenance to ensure optimum performance. Now replace ‘premium fuel’ with healthy food and ‘proper maintenance’ with regular exercise. That’s what your body needs.

• A balanced diet includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Regular exercise contributes to overall health and strengthens the immune system.
• Sleep is vital for the body to repair and regenerate itself.
• Manage stress as high-stress levels can weaken your immune system.
• Limited alcohol intake can improve your body’s ability to fight off infections.
• Quit smoking. Cigarette smoke can impair lung function, making you more susceptible to the flu.

Avoiding Close Contact

Influenza spreads via droplets created when people with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of nearby people or be inhaled into their lungs. Hence it’s advisable to maintain distance with sickly individuals.

Think about it as being in a soccer match where being hit by the ball is equivalent to getting the flu. If you keep your distance from your opponent who controls the ball, chances are less likely you’ll get hit.

• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• If possible, stay at home when you are sick to avoid exposing others to the virus.
• Maintain social distance (1 meter or 3 feet) with individuals displaying symptoms like sneezing or coughing.
• Remind your children to keep away from sick friends or classmates.
• If someone in your household is unwell, try to isolate them in a separate room if feasible.
• Don’t assume someone isn’t contagious just because they don’t have a fever. Not everyone with influenza has a fever.

Keeping Your Environment Clean

Maintaining cleanliness around you is crucial, especially during flu season. The virus can survive on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. These include doorknobs, handles, touch screens, keyboards, and other frequently touched objects.

Consider this as having an invisible trace that could transfer onto your hand and then on to your mouth, nose, or eyes unless you regularly clean these surfaces.

• Regularly clean and disinfect touched objects and surfaces using a simple home bleach solution or alcohol-based wipes.
• Invest in air purifiers or maintain good ventilation in the house.
• An uncluttered space makes cleaning and disinfecting easier.
• Replace hand towels regularly and use disposable tissues where possible.
• If someone in your household is ill, give them their trash bin for discarded tissues and other rubbish to minimize spread of the virus.
• Wash children’s toys and playground surfaces regularly.

Hand Hygiene Practice

Proper and frequent handwashing remains the most effective measure to prevent infections, including the flu. The influenza virus can be killed with simple soap and water.

Imagine your hands being a transport system spreading germs to everything you touch. Washing hands properly and regularly helps break this chain.

• Ensure hands are washed thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water aren’t readily available.
• Teach children about the importance of proper hand-washing.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Hand hygiene is particularly critical before preparing food, eating, after using the toilet, or taking care of someone who is sick.
• Keep nails short and clean to avoid germ accumulation underneath.

Covering Your Nose and Mouth

Sneezes and coughs should always be covered to prevent the spread of germs. It is recommended to use tissue while doing so, but in its absence, use your elbow not your hands as we tend to touch objects with our hands, spreading germs onto surfaces.

Imagine sneezes and coughs as mini explosion spreading viral droplets around, protective barrier diminishes its radius and reduces the risk of virus transmission.

• Discard used tissues in a lined trash bin.
• After tossing the tissues, remember to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
• Refrain from spitting in public places. It spreads germs and is often socially unacceptable.
• Avoid shaking hands or hugging as a social greetings during flu season.
• If you’re sick or looking after someone who is sick, consider wearing a mask.
• If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if taking care of a loved one who has the flu.

Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Prompt Medical Attention

Recognizing flu symptoms early on can speed up recovery. The symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea (though this is more common in children).

Remember, however, symptoms might be similar but not all colds are flus. This would be like mistaking a house cat for a tiger – they might share certain resemblances, but they’re different where it counts.

• If you start to feel unwell with flu symptoms, seek medical assistance promptly.
• Doctors can run tests at the beginning of the illness to confirm the presence of influenza.
• Certain antiviral drugs prescribed within 48 hours of symptom onset can lessen the duration of illness.
• Keep patients suffering from flu isolated to prevent the spreading.
• Children, pregnant women, older people, and individuals with chronic diseases are particularly at risk.
• If these high-risk individuals get the flu, they need to start treatment as soon as possible because they are more likely to develop serious complications.

Summary

The best way to protect oneself from the flu is a combination of all these measures. One method alone might not be 100% effective in preventing the virus, but together, they substantially reduce your risk. Stay active, eat healthy, wash your hands often, keep distance from sick people, and most importantly, don’t forget to get vaccinated!