Flu is a disease of the respiratory occurring as a result of various viral infections that are spread through the mouth or the nose. Flu is more common during the cold seasons and severity varies. It may be deadly in the elderly, people living with other chronic diseases and the newborn babies.
The symptoms of flu are similar to those of the common cold but are more severe. They include fever, headache, chills, body and muscle aches, cough and sore throats and may lead to complications such as pneumonia and sepsis. Some of the ways to ensure one stays healthy during the flu season are discussed below.
Seek Treatment Options for Affected Family Members
When one of the family members is infected with a flu virus, the other family members are also at risk. This is because the viruses are passed into the air through coughing and sneezing. Treatment can be sought in centers that specialize in acute illness care such as Premier Urgent Care Centers of California, Inc. Once treated, the flu sick family members no longer pose risks to the rest of the family members.
Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine is given to people as a form of prevention from flu. It works by initiating development of antibodies. The vaccine contains weakened viruses. The body recognizes them and produces antibodies that fight against similar viruses when they attack the body.
Eating Healthy
A healthy diet is needed for the body’s immune system. A strong immune system requires a constant supply of vitamins and minerals. With a strong immune system, the body is able to fight infections including the flu viruses.
Washing Your Hands
Viruses that cause flu can live on peoples’ hands. Hand washing and scrubbing with soap minimizes the chances of spreading the flu viruses among the family members. This should be done after coughing, sneezing or blowing the nose.
Covering Your Cough and Sneeze
This prevents release of flu viruses into the air. Uncovered coughing by an infected person spreads the flu viruses increasing the risk of infecting other family members. Therefore, coughs and sneezing should be covered with a handkerchief or tissue.
Flu is a common disease of the respiratory system. It can be easily transmitted among family members through air or touching. Several measures such as hand washing, healthy diet, seeking treatment, covering coughs and having flu vaccines can be used to ensure that people remain healthy during the flu seasons.