Take Some Smart Steps to Avoid the Flu

There’s no doubt that flu season has arrived in northwest Georgia, but there are plenty of steps you can take to keep from becoming a victim this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the CDC, the best way to prevent the flu is an obvious one, which, for some reason, many people choose to skip – the flu shot.

There are several difference flu vaccine options for the 20182019 season, and your best choice might depend on how old you are. Keep in mind, even the vaccine is not 100 percent effective. The vaccinations are based on predictions of what strains will be the most common during the upcoming flu season. That is always subject to change.

Getting the vaccination can also make flu symptoms less severe if you do get sick. Just remember, the flu vaccine is not a magic bullet.

It takes about two weeks for the vaccination to become effective after you have been injected, so don’t try to hold out until an outbreak is reported in your area.

If you do get the flu, treatment with antiviral drugs can also lessen the severity, but the treatment must be started within a couple days after getting sick to be most effective. Antivirals can decrease flu sideeffects, such as pneumonia in older adults or ear infections in children. If you have any questions, check with your health-care provider.

It’s also wise to be aware of your surroundings and other people during flu season. Sometimes, not getting the flu can be as simple as staying away from those who do have it. That means you should avoid close contact. If you see someone sneezing at the grocery store, smile and wave but keep your distance.

Avoiding close contact can also keep you from spreading the flu if you are the unlucky one who is sick.

It’s not only good manners to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. That practice can also prevent others near you from falling prey to the flu.

The flu virus and other respiratory illnesses are spread through coughing and sneezing. So, if you feel a sneeze coming on, cover your cough with a tissue or even the crook of your arm if you don’t have another way.

Sometimes avoiding others might mean staying home from work or school. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others. If you get sick during the work day, go home. While toughing it out for the good of the team sounds good, sometimes working while you are sick only makes other sick and decreases workplace productivity. Keep work spaces that are often touched by many people clean. Wipe down surfaces with disinfectant.

Another obvious way to prevent the spread of the flu is to clean your hands. Wash them often with soap and water and you can also use an alcoholbased cleaner. You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

The CDC reported moderate flu activity in Georgia during the first week of November. Follow the simple suggestions above and you just might play a role in keeping yourself and those you love from becoming a flu statistic.

Tifani Kinard is the Hospital Administrator and Chief Nursing Officer at Polk Medical Center.