How to Prevent Getting Sick from the Flu

Influenza (the flu) is a viral disease that has different effects on each individual. Its symptoms range from mild to extremely serious. Contacting the flu can even lead to death in the worst cases. While it’s easy to get the flu, especially during the flu season, everyone can take steps to prevent it and to lessen its effects.

Tips to stay safe from the flu this cold season

Taking a Flu Vaccine

• Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to keep flu viruses at bay. Everyone should get vaccinated as soon as possible.
• There are many different flu viruses, but a flu vaccine protects against the most common viruses.
• Each person aged six months and older should get a flu vaccine every year before the flu season.
• Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of severe flu complications, such as young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health issues, and seniors.
• It’s also very important for health care workers – and those who care for high-risk people – to get vaccinated.
• People who care for children younger than six months should be vaccinated to prevent infecting the infants, who are too young to be vaccinated.

Preventing the Spread of Germs

• Contact with someone who has the flu should be avoided. Likewise, individuals who have the flu should limit contact with others and stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone.

• When coughing or sneezing, the nose and mouth should be covered. The tissue must be discarded after each use.
• Everyone should wash their hands often with soap and water. If those aren’t available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is the next best option.
• Objects and surfaces that may be contaminated with germs like the flu should be cleaned and disinfected.
• People should not touch their eyes, nose, and mouth to avoid spreading or contracting a flu virus.

Taking Flu Antiviral Drugs (if prescribed by a doctor)

• Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that can be used to treat the flu. It’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions for taking these drugs.
• Antiviral drugs can make an illness milder and shorten the time someone is sick. They may also prevent serious flu complications.
• People with high-risk factors can take antiviral drugs to lessen the effects of the flu.
• Antiviral drugs work best for treatment if they are taken within two days of getting sick. Starting them later can still be helpful, especially to high-risk people or those who are very sick from the flu.

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Call PuroClean Property Damage Paramedics at (403) 309-0095 to sanitize a property and stop the spread of influenza. We provide an unmatched service experience quickly and professionally, cleaning surface areas in order to protect homes and businesses from this dangerous virus.