Healthy habits to avoid getting the flu

Avoid getting the flu

Influenza is an infectious disease that affects the respiratory system, the nose and throat, and sometimes the lungs, and it can cause severe complications, especially in children, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases.

Similar to the common cold, influenza becomes more common in the winter months. This is partly because people spend more time indoors, which allows the virus to spread, and also because cold air can weaken resistance.

Although the best protection against influenza is a vaccination, there are simple lifestyle habits you can follow to reduce your risk of getting the flu this winter.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains: “The best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated each year, but good hygiene habits such as avoiding sick people, covering coughs, and washing hands frequently can help stop the spread of germs and prevent From respiratory diseases, such as influenza. There are also antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent influenza." According to Russia Today.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention talks about simple changes you can make to reduce your risk of getting the flu, regardless of whether you've been vaccinated or not:

Covering the mouth and nose, cleaning hands, avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth, as well as sticking to other good hygiene habits.

"When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick as well," the Centers for Disease Control says.

The health institution added: "Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, which may prevent those around you from getting sick, as influenza viruses are spread mainly through droplets resulting from coughing, sneezing or talking to people who have influenza."

And she continued, "Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer."

The Centers for Disease Control commented: "Germs can spread when a person touches something contaminated with germs and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth."

The centers conclude that frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school should be "cleaned and disinfected, especially when someone is sick. Get enough sleep, be physically active, control your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat plenty of food." nourishing".

The health authority also advises staying at home when you are sick to prevent spreading the flu to others.

Flu symptoms can appear quickly, and include:

A sudden rise in temperature.

Painful body.

Feeling tired or exhausted.

- dry cough.

- Sore throat.

- a headache.

Difficulty sleeping.

- Anorexia.

Diarrhea or abdominal pain.

Feeling unwell.