Get Ready for Flu Season: Health Tips You Need to Know
As the leaves begin to change color and the air becomes crisp, we’re not just welcoming pumpkin lattes and cozy sweaters – flu season is also knocking at the door. The arrival of fall serves as an important reminder to take preventative steps against this formidable foe. Think of flu season like a storm on the horizon; you wouldn’t wait for the rain to start before fixing your roof, right? Being proactive can make all the difference in how you and your family fare during these colder months.
Read on for some important flu season health tips.
The Impact of Flu Season in America
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza has resulted in between 9 million and 41 million illnesses annually since 2010 in the United States alone. This isn’t just a case of sniffles and sore throats; it can lead to severe complications like pneumonia and even death, especially among high-risk groups such as children and the elderly. In essence, the flu isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a public health issue that we all have a role in mitigating.
You Can Help Prevent the Flu
Prevention is more effective than cure — this age-old adage holds water, especially when it comes to the flu. Flu prevention starts with us, so read on for important tips on how you can keep you and your family safe.
Get Vaccinated!
A flu shot is your first line of defense. The CDC recommends that every member of your family aged six months and older should get vaccinated yearly.
Wash Your Hands
You’ve heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: wash your hands often with soap and water. It’s like washing away those invisible enemies that are out to get you. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
Keep Your Distance
The influenza virus is transmitted via small droplets released when an infected individual talks, coughs, or sneezes.
If someone is coughing or sneezing, it’s smart to keep your distance. Maintaining a minimum 6-foot distance from others can help lower your chances of contracting the virus.
Continue to Wear a Mask in Public if You Are Sick
If you’re sick or suspect you may be, wear a mask in public places. It acts as a barrier, keeping those infectious particles from reaching others.
If You Get Sick, Speak to Your Doctor About Antivirals
Antiviral medications can lessen the severity and duration of the flu. It’s like using a fire extinguisher on a small blaze before it becomes a full-fledged fire.
When to Visit Physicians Premier
If you contract the flu, keep a close eye on your symptoms. Mild to moderate symptoms generally don’t require an ER visit. However, if you experience any of the following signs, it’s important to head to your nearest Physicians Premier facility. Keep an eye out for:
- High fever lasting more than a day
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Severe chest pain
- Sudden dizziness or confusion
- Severe dehydration (dark urine, dry skin, fatigue)
If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, it’s time to visit Physicians Premier, your Brazos Valley ER. Influenza is a serious respiratory virus that shouldn’t go untreated, as it can rapidly escalate into more severe complications.
At Physicians Premier, we are committed to helping our communities stay healthy, especially during flu season. We’re open 24 hours every day of the year to serve you and your family. Let’s work together to make this flu season as safe as possible for everyone.
Sources:
“Disease Burden of Flu,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/index.html
“Who Should and Who Should NOT Get a Flu Vaccine,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/whoshouldvax.htm
“Influenza (Seasonal),” World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)
“Influenza (flu),” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719
