ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- The holidays are upon us, and we have so much to look forward to.
The leaves are changing, nights are becoming longer, and the air a bit nippier. ‘Tis the season of joy and happiness, but also cold and flu. As the colder months approach, please be educated on how to avoid sickness, when to be seen by a medical professional, and how not to spread sickness to others.
Cold symptoms are usually milder than flu, with runny or stuffy noses being the most common. Colds do not typically result in serious health problems. The flu, on the other hand, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Fever, fatigue, vomiting and aching muscles are some of the main symptoms associated with the flu. The flu makes it hard to continue with your normal daily activities. During this season, it is also important to recognize signs of respiratory distress in children and babies while also trying your best to prevent the spread of illness.
To help avoid the flu virus, there are a few things you can do. First, get your flu vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting vaccinated every year as the best protection against catching this virus.
There are a few other things you can do to avoid sickness in your home:
1. Keep your hands washed regularly.
2. Stay away from others who are sick. Germs can spread very easily.
3. Disinfect your home or any communal spaces regularly.
4. Maintain a good diet and stay hydrated.
5. Take immune support vitamins/supplements.
If you do catch an illness, it is important to try your best to avoid spreading germs. You can avoid spreading illness by:
1. Washing your hands.
2. Using hand sanitizer.
3. Using tissues to sneeze or cough into.
4. Staying home and avoiding contact.
Knowing when to be seen by a medical professional is very important in diagnosing and treating a sickness. You should be seen by a doctor when:
1. You have a persistent fever that keeps coming back.
2. You suspect you have the flu and are at greater risk (young children, pregnant, adults 65-plus or immunocompromised).
3. Chest pain.
4. Shortness of breath.
5. Confusion.
6. Trouble eating or drinking.
If you do not have a primary care provider, you can schedule a quick and easy appointment at your local walk-in clinic.
If someone in your home has the flu, you are most likely going to play a role in helping them get better. Therefore, you will likely have exposure. However, to avoid getting the illness yourself, you can:
1. Wash dishes after each use to kill germs.
2. Avoid kissing and touching.
3. Do not use commonly shared items such as cups or utensils.
4. Disinfect surfaces more than usual to kill germs.
5. Sleep separately.
Keeping these things in mind during this season may prevent sickness within your home or workplace and may even save a few lives!
Sources:
- https://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-health/when-to-see-a-doctor-for-a-cold
- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/index.html