Prevention tips
THE COMMON cold and flu are quite contagious. Depending on a number of factors, it can just be a mild irritation or it can knock you off your feet. For most people, it’s back to normal after getting over a bout of flu; but for others it can be serious or even deadly, especially for young children, the elderly, people with weakened immune system and those with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes.
Here are some ways to avoid getting the flu:
1. AVOID CLOSE CONTACT
It’s easy to catch the flu. When a nearby sick person sneezes or coughs, they send out a spray of virus-laden droplets straight to your open mouth or nose. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK
If possible, stay home from work, school, and running errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others. Stay home until you feel better and your fever is gone (without the help of medicine) for at least 24 hours.
3. COVER YOUR MOUTH AND NOSE
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Sneeze into your elbow, not your hand. That way, you can’t pass it around. Toss used tissues after you blow your nose. Don’t leave them lying around for someone else to find.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wipes.
5. AVOID TOUCHING YOUR EYES, NOSE OR MOUTH
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. You can pick it up from touching a surface – like the restaurant table where a sick person dined before you. Flu germs can linger on places like tables, counters, desks, doorknobs, and faucets for up to eight hours. When you touch a germy surface and put your hands on your eyes, nose, or mouth, your fingers bring the virus right into your body.
6. PRACTISE OTHER GOOD HEALTH HABITS
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious food and maintain a balanced diet.
9. QUIT SMOKING
There’s evidence that smoking increases your chances of getting the flu. And when they do get sick, smokers tend to have a more severe infection and a higher risk of dying from the flu. So that’s another good reason to kick the habit.
10. TAKE YOUR MEDICINE
In case you do get sick, ask your doctor or pharmacist about antiviral flu drugs. They can help you get better faster. But you need to take them within the first two days of getting sick.