Ah, flu season. A time when sneezes become relentless, tissues accumulate rapidly and the immune system takes an unforgiving beating. This blog can equip you with all of the knowledge and tips to overcome flu, or at least give you a fighting chance.
What Is Influenza (Flu)?
Influenza, commonly referred to as flu, is an infectious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. There are various strains, each more adept at spreading misery than its predecessor. Symptoms often hit unexpectedly like in a thriller novel: sudden fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny and stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue are often symptoms associated with influenza infection. Definitely no fun at all.
Prevention: An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure
Your first defense against the flu is prevention. Here are some tried-and-tested strategies for keeping flu at bay:
Make Sure You Get Your Flu Shot: Flu shots can provide a proactive defense against flu season. While it won't guarantee immunity from illness entirely, vaccination can lower your odds significantly and even help lessen symptoms if they do come up. So take one for the team now.
Adopt Good Hygiene: Channel your inner germaphobe. Take steps to keep yourself and others clean by regularly washing hands with soap and water and carrying hand sanitizer for those spontaneous outings. Avoid touching your face as the flu virus loves clinging onto fingertips that lead directly into eyes, noses and mouths.
Avoid Close Contact: In peak flu season, social distancing is more than a trend, it's an important survival tactic. Avoid crowded spaces and limit contact with those already showing symptoms. If someone becomes an open sneezing machine near you, offer them tissues as soon as possible and move away quickly from them.
Rapid At-Home Flu Testing
When it comes to quickly diagnosing influenza, rapid at-home flu testing can be an invaluable asset. These tests allow you to determine if you have influenza within minutes without leaving your house. Typically by taking a nasal swab and using a small device or test strip that detects influenza antigens in less than 30 minutes. Learn the benefits of rapid at-home Flu and Covid testing and you will be amazed by how much time and hassle it can save you. Its convenience alone makes this test well worth your while during flu season. While not foolproof, these tests add valuable tools into your arsenal against influenza this winter season.
Treating the Flu: When Preventive Measures Fail
Even with your best efforts at prevention, flu outbreaks still happen from time to time. Here's what to do when they do:
Recharge: When fighting an army of viruses, giving yourself enough rest can only help. Take time off work or other responsibilities without feeling guilty or nap like it's your sport, your body needs its rest.
Maintain Hydration: Hydration is key. Drink plenty of fluids such as water, herbal teas and broth. Beware dehydrating beverages like alcohol and caffeine which don't help in fighting flu-related illness.
Medication: Over-the-counter medicines can provide temporary relief from symptoms like fever, aches and congestion. Be sure to follow dosage instructions on the package or consult with healthcare providers if in doubt about dosage. Be mindful that antibiotics won't work because influenza viruses cannot be killed with antibiotics.
Conclusion
Flu season may be unavoidable each year, but with knowledge and an optimistic mindset you can be ready for it. Be sure to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene habits, and treat any symptoms with care if caught. Stay healthy, stay happy, and may the odds ever be in your favor.