Flu season is coming: Are you and your loved ones prepared?
Just like that, summer is over, which could only mean one thing: flu season is just around the corner.
As COVID-19 lockdown restrictions continue to loosen up, people are taking the opportunity to go out more often. Many have gone back to work. There are even schools in some areas that have returned to face-to-face classes.
While we are currently feeling the heat of summer, the rainy season will soon take over. It has been observed that during this wet period the highest cases of flu are being recorded.
“After going through waves of a grueling pandemic, taking millions of people by surprise, the last thing we need is to head on to a flu season unarmed. As early as now, we must be ready and prepare for any and all eventualities,” said Dr. Donald Josue, vaccines medical director, GSK.
To make sure the flu virus doesn’t catch you off guard, here are some of the measures you can do today:
Update your flu vaccines. Making sure you get your updated flu vaccines significantly lowers the risk of contracting the virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) a flu shot is recommended annually to ensure individuals are protected from the latest flu virus strains.
Be mindful of social distancing. We should continue practicing social distancing whenever possible. Wearing face masks, keeping a distance from other people, or avoiding going to crowded places are a few of the easiest, simplest ways to lessen the chances of catching the flu virus.
Keep your immune system in shape with a healthy diet. According to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), you can boost your resistance by having a balanced diet and maintaining an active lifestyle. By giving your body the right nutrients and exercising regularly, you allow your immune system to perform at peak physical condition. This, in turn, enables your body to resist any symptoms that may arise.
Flu vs COVID-19 symptom. The flu and COVID-19 share many similar symptoms like fever, colds, and cough as symptoms. But the latter can also cause fatigue, loss of smell, and loss of taste. Always consult with a medical professional to make sure you get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
This flu season, make sure you’ve got the leg up against the flu virus. Remember to wash your hands regularly, boost your immune system, avoid large crowds, and get that flu vaccine as soon as possible, because keeping yourself safe is the first step to making sure your loved ones and the community you live in are safe, too.
AIA Group Limited launched “AIA One Billion,” a bold ambition to engage a billion people to live healthier, longer, better lives by 2030. As the largest pan-Asian life and health insurer, AIA is starting a movement to improve the health and wellness of individuals and help create a more sustainable future in Asia.
Stuart A. Spencer, AIA Group chief marketing officer, said, “For more than a century, AIA has strived to make a significant, positive impact for our customers and communities. Launching AIA One Billion extends our purpose of helping people live healthier, longer, better lives far beyond our immediate customer base.
The campaign underscores AIA’s commitment to engage, educate and inspire communities across Asia to improve physical, mental and environmental wellness while championing financial inclusion.
The pandemic has increased people’s awareness of the importance of health and wellness. Yet populations in Asia are seeing an increase in lifestyle-related diseases, accounting for more than 70 percent of all deaths. The World Health Organisation has warned that climate change will increase morbidity and mortality, especially in Asia.
“It is critically important for AIA to play a positive role and be at the forefront of helping our communities address these issues,” he added.
AIA Philippines ECO Kelvin Ang said, “AIA Philippines is proud to commit to AIA One Billion. Our Save Lives initiative tracks the number of lives saved through our protection products. In addition, our Healthy Outcomes initiative monitors the health improvements of our Vitality members, and our ESG program is leading our transition to sustainable operations. AIA Philippines is joining the journey.”
Through partnerships, events, community programs and campaigns AIA One Billion will encompass all its interactions across communities to engage and encourage everyone from all walks of life to lead healthier lifestyles and help secure a healthier planet.
As a first step to kick-start AIA One Billion, a regional social media campaign has been launched to invite people to “Join the Journey.” AIA ambassadors across the region will also support the initiative and rally communities to take action and drive broad positive behavioral change.
“AIA has the ambition to become a global leader in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). AIA One Billion builds on our long-term strategy to make a difference to the sustainable development of our communities, and setting clear goals in line with our ambition to be a global leader in ESG,” Ang added.
As part of its ESG reporting, AIA will track, measure, and report on progress towards the goal to engage one billion people by 2030 to live healthier, longer, better lives.
Find out more about AIA One Billion at aia.com/aiaonebillion.