How To Fight The Flu This Season

With kids back in school, it's inevitable that the flu may hit your household at some point. It's important to take some precautions in order to prevent germs from taking over your home and putting you out of commission for too long. See below for some tips on how to fight the flu this season.

Get A Flu Shot

Be sure to get your flu shot before the start of the flu season. Get a shot for yourself and everyone in your family. Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent the flu in your household. You can get a flu shot at your physician's office, your local pharmacy may offer flu shots, your local hospital, health department or your employer may offer flu shots. Flu season usually starts around October, so be sure to get your shot before the end of October.

Wash, Wash, Wash

Wash your hands often to prevent the spread of germs. Wash them when you get home after work, or after being out. Doorknobs, handles, grocery carts and other surfaces can be covered in germs. Don't bring these germs to your home. Have your kids wash their hands after getting home from school as well. 

Use disinfectant to wash hard surfaces around your home including door handles, railings, faucet handles and cabinet handles.

Limit Contact

Limit your contact with anyone that is sick. Keep anyone that is sick at arms length if you cannot avoid it. If you become sick, try your best to cough or sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your arm. Try to limit your contact with anyone once you are sick to prevent the spread of germs. If you have a fever, be sure to stay home from work. If anyone in your home has a fever, keep them at home as well for at least 24 hours.

Over-The-Counter Medication

Prescribed medication should not be taken unless it is prescribed by a physician. Don't try to take anything that you have leftover from another illness or from someone else in your family. Over the counter medicine can be taken to help ease pain associated with the flu such as aspirin or anti-nausea medication. 

Staying hydrated, eating properly, getting enough sleep and exercising can also help to fight off the flu this season. If you're healthy to begin with, it will be easier to fight off the flu. Speak to your physician about other ways to help prevent the flu and ways you can fight it off this season. For more information, contact establishments like Choice Medical Group.