Many people associate influenza infections with wintertime, especially in Detroit, Michigan. When the bitter cold drives people indoors, they’re closer to one another for longer periods of time, making it easier for germs to be transmitted from person to person. Although there is a designated “flu season,” you should remember that you can get the flu at any time of year. Plus, while many people think of the flu as merely a more intense version of a common cold, its symptoms can become rather serious, perhaps even warranting a hospital stay in severe cases.

If you want to protect yourself from getting the flu and prevent the infection of others in case you happen to catch it, there are a few simple steps you can follow.

Get the flu vaccine – Everyone over the age of six months is recommended to get the flu vaccine to prevent infection. People who are at high risk, such as pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions, people over the age of 65, and people who care for infants and other high-risk groups, should make receiving the vaccine a high priority. Note that the shot doesn’t protect against all strains of the flu, only the type that researchers have predicted will be the most prominent for that year. For this reason, you should receive the vaccination every year.

Take preventative actions every day – No matter what time of year it is, you should wash your hands frequently with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Also, try to limit touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as these actions can easily transmit germs and get you sick. Avoiding direct contact with people who have influenza is another recommended measure.

Keep yourself healthy – People often overlook the obvious prevention technique of simply maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Make sure to get plenty of sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly to maintain your immune system’s strength.

Help others stay healthy – If you have contracted the flu, limit contact with other people to minimize the spread of the virus. You can further reduce the chance of infecting other people by staying home from work or school if you have a fever. You should also cover your nose with a tissue when you sneeze and disinfect any surfaces that might be contaminated with germs.

Take your doctor’s advice – If you decide to seek medical attention for help getting over the flu, the doctor will likely provide you with a prescription for antiviral drugs to aid your recovery. You should take these drugs in the dosage and for the length of time prescribed because they can shorten the duration of the illness and lessen its severity.

If you would like to learn more about how you can protect you and your loved ones from the flu, you can turn to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for more information. You can also talk to your doctor for advice specific to your personal circumstances.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health and wellness.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health and wellness. http://www.yellowpages.com/detroit-mi/laser-spine-institute

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health and wellness.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: health, wellness, flu, influenza, flu prevention