Six Tips for Protecting Yourself and Others During Flu Season
If you’ve ever had the flu or cared for someone who has, you know how quickly someone can go from feeling fine to being confined to bed. While avoiding the flu may feel like a game of chance, the risk of contracting the flu and the severity of your case is impacted by how proactive you are with your health.
As flu cases rise in Arkansas, here are six tips to help protect yourself and others during flu season.
What is the flu?
Influenza, as it’s formally known, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the flu is widely believed to spread by tiny droplets passed through the air when people with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
While flu season in the United States typically starts in October and peaks between December and February, cases can continue into May. The CDC reports millions of people get the flu each year, with hundreds of thousands hospitalized and tens of thousands dying from complications.
In Arkansas, flu activity is escalating, with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) reporting January alone accounted for 63 percent of all confirmed flu cases since Sept. 29, 2024. In just the first week of February, more than 2,000 positive cases of the flu were reported. This rise underscores the importance of taking preventive measures to protect yourself and others.
Who is at risk?
When it comes to the flu, anyone and everyone is at risk, but there are a few groups of individuals at a greater risk of serious complications. Those groups of individuals are:
- Children under the age of 5
- Pregnant women
- Adults 65 years or older
- People with conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
- People with weakened immune systems
Noticing the Signs and Symptoms
Flu symptoms can come on suddenly and may include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)
Oftentimes, these symptoms can be overlooked and explained away as a change in the weather or the common cold. These symptoms can compound with the flu and evolve into ear infections, pneumonia, or worse if unchecked.
SIX WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE FLU
The flu can cause serious complications, especially in high-risk groups. Understanding the flu, its risks, and how to protect yourself can help keep you and your family healthy this season.
The Flu Vaccine
The CDC recommends everyone at least 6 months old receive their yearly flu shot if there are no medical reasons for not receiving the vaccine. While it does not guarantee you won’t catch the flu, it can reduce the severity of symptoms. According to the ADH, more than 80 percent of flu-related deaths this season were unvaccinated.
To find out where to get a flu shot, visit the Arkansas Department of Health’s website. If you have a chronic illness, are pregnant, or unsure if you should get the flu shot, please consult your primary care physician.
Wash your hands
Since many illnesses and diseases are spread when there’s a lack of good hand hygiene, it’s important to use soap and water after touching your face, preparing food and drinks, touching surfaces or objects that may not be sanitized, or blowing your nose or coughing into your hands. When washing your hands, it’s most effective to wash for at least 20 seconds. If you struggle with washing long enough, sing or hum the “Happy Birthday” song two times which equals the recommended time period for thorough cleansing..
When washing your hands, make sure to wash the backs of your hands, in between your fingers, and under your fingernails. If unable to wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
Cover your nose and mouth
It’s important to always cover your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing, especially since the flu can be passed from person to person as water droplets pass through the air. If you do not have a tissue available, use the crook of your elbow. If you do use a tissue, dispose of it immediately and wash your hands.If you have a cold and have to leave your home, consider wearing a face covering while around others.
Avoid sick individuals
For parents, caregivers, healthcare workers, and others who regularly find themselves caring for others, it can be difficult to stay away from people who are sick. If you do have to be around others who are sick, consider wearing a face covering or other personal protective equipment to reduce the spread of germs. If you are feeling sick, stay home.
Clean and disinfect surfaces
What goes up must come down, making surfaces a breeding ground for germs. To reduce your risk of catching the flu, regularly sanitize commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, phones, and light switches. If illnesses like the flu should arrive in your home, sanitizing often can help reduce the risk of it spreading to everyone there.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
In addition to vaccines, hand washing, and sanitizing surfaces, having a healthy lifestyle is another way to be proactive with your health and boost your immune system. While the introduction of some of these behaviors might require changes to your routine, they can ensure your body receives the necessary nutrients and recovery needed to keep your body at its strongest.
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink plenty of water
- Manage stress
- Exercise regularly
When to seek medical attention
- While most flu cases can be treated at home with plenty of rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent chest pain or pressure
- Confusion or difficulty waking up
- Severe weakness or dehydration
- High fever that doesn’t improve with medication
- Worsening symptoms
South Arkansas Regional Hospital can help
At SARH, we’re committed to keeping our community healthy this flu season and throughout the year. Take steps today to protect yourself and your family from the flu. If you think you or a loved one are experiencing a severe reaction in response to catching the flu, contact your physician. If your symptoms are severe our Emergency Room staff is ready to help.