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Everything You Need to Know About the Flu
The flu is a serious illness that can lead to death, hospitalization, and complications. It’s a contagious disease that spreads to humans through coughs, sneezes, or direct contact with an infected person. The best way to protect yourself against this upcoming season is by being aware of how the flu spreads, what symptoms you should look out for, and how it affects your body. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s flu season!
What is the flu?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses. It can be spread through droplets, such as coughing or sneezing and touching surfaces that have the virus on them.
The influenza A virus has been around for hundreds of years but its DNA changed and evolved into what we know as the H1N1 strain today. This strain has been causing major outbreaks since 2009 when it first appeared in North America.
Is there a vaccine?
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. The CDC recommends vaccination beginning in the fall, especially if you plan to be out of your home during flu season or cover a lot of germs on a daily basis.
All you need to get the flu vaccine is an insurance card or proof of income; most health insurance policies will cover it as part of their annual wellness checkup. The shot can also be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription from your doctor’s office or pharmacy (this varies by state). If your health plan doesn’t cover it, ask whether they would consider wrapping it in exchange for giving up other benefits such as vision care coverage or prescription drugs that aren’t covered by Medicare Part D (prescription drug plans administered by private insurers).
You do not need to provide proof that you are pregnant before receiving any type of immunization–but if there are any concerns about your pregnancy status, speak up! Doctors understand that women who are pregnant may have higher risk factors for complications than non-pregnant patients due to their increased nutritional needs during pregnancy; however, they may still recommend vaccinations even though they think one might put the mother at risk.”
How do you get the flu?
The flu virus can be spread through coughing, sneezing, and touching objects that have had the virus on them. The flu is most commonly spread from person to person by direct contact with an infected person’s respiratory secretions (sneezes, coughs).
The virus also can live for several hours on surfaces such as doorknobs or phone tables; it remains infectious after being wiped down with soap and water.
Why are there so many cases right now?
The flu season is usually in the winter. This year, it started earlier than usual and has continued to be more severe than usual.
The good news is that there’s no need to panic! The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that most people who get sick with the flu don’t develop serious complications or die of the illness; however, they can still spread it to others who are at higher risk of complications such as young children and older adults.
If you’re worried about getting sick and want some advice on how best to protect yourself, read on below:
How do you avoid getting the flu in the first place?
The most important thing you can do to avoid getting the flu is to wash your hands often. In fact, hand washing with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent the transmission of germs.
The next best way to avoid getting sick is by avoiding touching your face, especially when you are sick or have a fever. It’s also important not to share utensils or food with others; if someone else sneezes near you, coughs into their hand, or coughs into a tissue then this is also considered “exchanging” germs which could lead to infection! So make sure no one does these things around you (or at least tell them not to).
Finally don’t share drinks either–don’t drink from open cups/glasses if someone else has been drinking out of them before leaving home!
What can you do if you’re already sick with the flu?
- Rest. You can’t do anything to help your disease or recovery, but you can take some time away from the world. A good way to do this is by going into your bedroom for 24 hours and shutting out all distractions, including television and phone calls. If you have access to a Netflix subscription (and who doesn’t?), binge-watch several seasons of something lighthearted like House of Cards before going back to work full-time on Monday morning.
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day (water or broth works well). Fluids encourage the kidneys to discharge toxins from your body so they can be excreted through other bodily functions like urination and defecation (which will help prevent flu symptoms from worsening).
- Take pain relievers such as ibuprofen if needed–but only when recommended by your doctor! Overusing these medications can lead them not only ineffective but also dangerous! It’s important that people understand how much medicine they should be taking because it affects their overall health better than just resting alone in bed all night long.”
Are there home remedies that actually work?
Before you reach for the tissues, know that there are some home remedies that actually work. Although they may not cure your flu, they can help ease symptoms and make you feel better.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your house and keep it cool. A humidifier can also prevent dry skin and lips by creating humidity around them.
- Stay away from people who are sick–it’s not worth taking chances with someone else’s health! If you get sick at all, stay home until it passes; don’t go out unless absolutely necessary (and even then be sure to wash your hands often).
- Eat healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables–these foods contain vitamin C which helps fight off infections like colds or flu by strengthening immune systems against germs. Drink plenty of water each day so that dehydration doesn’t happen. Get plenty of sleep every night because the lack thereof leads to exhaustion which makes getting well harder than necessary. Avoid alcohol & caffeine consumption during this time period since these substances tend to weaken immunity system functioning making recovery more difficult when compared with other types such as tea tree oil capsules or zinc lozenges – these types do not affect how quickly one recovers after becoming sick just like any other medication would be able
Flu Symptoms:
- Flu symptoms can be mild or severe.
- The flu is spread by droplets (tiny particles) of saliva and mucus, sneezes and coughs, and contact with objects that have been contaminated with the virus.
- You can avoid getting the flu by staying home from work when you’re sick; washing hands frequently; avoiding touching your face or mouth when coughing or sneezing; covering your mouth if you cough while in public places like restaurants and theaters; washing bedclothes weekly in hot water without bleach so they don’t spread germs on them (don’t use bleach because it strips away chemicals that protect clothing fibers); using an air purifier in your bedroom at night to keep odors under control but not overuse them as this can make breathing difficult due to increased pressure inside lungs when using one continuously throughout day long hours at work place etc…
Conclusion
In summary, the flu is a severe infection that can lead to hospitalization and even death. If you get the flu, it’s important to take steps to prevent spreading it to others in your family or workplace. There are also several home remedies for the flu that may help reduce symptoms.
Thanks for Reading.
