Avoiding Seasonal Flu

While many people look forward to Autumn for the many wonderful changes the season brings, there is one yearly visitor that there is no cause to be happy about. I’m talking about the return of the influenza virus for flu season. For younger adults and children, the flu is usually just a few days of unpleasantness, but for many seniors and older adults, it can be more serious. With complications such as pneumonia more likely, seniors account for as many as 85 percent of the deaths from influenza.

While the widely available flu shot is considered the standard for many people when it comes to preventing the infection each year, the truth is that the shot isn’t the only way to protect yourself. Lifestyle choices play a role in avoiding the virus as well.

Many of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic can also be applied to personal safety against the flu virus. Limiting close contact with others, also known as social distancing, is a good idea for the flu virus. When the flu is spreading through your community, it’s easy to pass the virus through hugs, handshakes, or even just by being near someone who is sick and doesn’t know it. When you’re out in public during flu season, keep in mind to limit your time in public and proximity to strangers for protection.

Again, as we all learned from COVID-19, wearing face masks can help prevent the spread of virus. Because they catch exhaled particles that can carry the virus, communities and people that wore masks saw a slower spread. Consider wearing a mask when the flu numbers are increasing in your city when you need to go to the grocery store or attend an event.

Our immune systems are our first line of defense against any and all infections, so make sure to do everything you can to keep it functioning at its best. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, getting your recommended amount of exercise, managing your stress levels, and getting good, restful sleep each night will all boost your immune system’s capabilities. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and eat water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables to stay well hydrated. If you haven’t been to the doctor for your yearly physical as well, make sure to schedule your appointment.

Since research has shown the flu virus can live for several hours on surfaces, frequent hand washing is important, especially with any trips in public. Door handles, shopping carts, elevator buttons, handrails, and more can all be harboring harmful virus particles. Using hot, soapy water to wash your hands whenever you can in public will help keep you safe. If soap and water are unavailable, a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer will do in a pinch.

Going hand-in-hand with the handwashing is making sure to avoid touching your face. While we don’t perhaps think about it, research says we may touch our faces as often as sixteen times an hour. Since the virus most easily enters our bodies to infect us through porous membranes like the eyes, mouth, and nose, touching our faces after touching a compromised surface has a high chance of resulting in an infection.