Lower Your Flu Risk
Although it’s stressful to think about yet another virus to avoid this fall and winter, the upside is that the same steps we’ve taken to prevent Covid-19 also prevent the spread of the flu - Melinda Wenner Moyer
image by: National Library of Medicine
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How to Prep for Cold and Flu Season Right Now, Before You Get Sick
Being sick is never fun, but that’s especially true if you’re not ready for it. We’ve all been there: shuffling down grocery store aisles looking for chicken noodle soup while trying not to sneeze too much in public...
Don’t underestimate common sense safety practices like avoiding crowded indoor spaces when the risk of COVID transmission is high in your area, staying home if you’re sick, and practicing good hand hygiene.
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Flu Season Is Coming. Here’s How to Prepare
Although it’s stressful to think about yet another virus to avoid this fall and winter, the upside is that the same steps we’ve taken to prevent Covid-19 also prevent the spread of the flu. You can reduce your risk of the flu by getting vaccinated, wearing a mask and washing your hands — and none of these strategies, thankfully, are difficult to do.
How to Boost Your Immune System During Cold and Flu Season
Here are four things health experts say you can do to prepare ahead of fall and winter surges.
Cold and Flu
Get your yearly flu vaccine. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Hand sanitizer helps in a pinch.,,
Measures to prevent the spread of covid-19 have also fended off flu
Two types of virus cause winter flu. Influenza A viruses originate in birds and pigs. The h1n1 and h3n2 subtypes (named for the structures of two proteins on their surfaces) also infect humans. Influenza B infects only humans.
Something to Sneeze At
Most importantly, practice vigorous hand washing—after all, the skin is also a component of your natural defenses and one that actually can be enhanced by good hygiene. Take care of yourself by keeping a balanced diet, maintaining good sleep habits, and minimizing stress. These are interventions that have been shown to help keep your immune system at its best. These alone can “boost” your odds of staving off an infection this cold season.
How to Prep for Cold and Flu Season Right Now, Before You Get Sick
“Simple measures like hand washing, masking in crowded and enclosed spaces, and distancing when possible go a long way in infection control and prevention,” Dr. Parikh says. “Also, if you do not feel well, do not go to work, school, or events, even if you test negative for COVID, as there are a plethora of other viruses you can spread.”
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