The flu is a highly contagious, common disease caused by virus infecting the respiratory tract. Every year, flu season typically occurs during the Fall and Winter. As flu season approaches, it is crucial to understand different ways to protect yourself and those around you. It is critical to take the preventative steps to maintain your health and remain safe during this season.
Practice Healthy Daily Habits
Washing your hands often is one of the most effective ways to keep you healthy. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitizer often. Another easy step to take is to avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth, as these are access points for the virus to enter your body.
One should always cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing to avoid spreading germs to those around you.
To kill flu germs, regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and other surfaces that are commonly used. Germs can live on the surface for up to 24 hours, so make sure to clean and disinfect using the proper products.
Get the Flu Vaccine
A common concern is whether the flu vaccine is safe. Although not 100% effective, it is very safe, with the exception for some groups of people; the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from the flu and the complications that come along with it. It is important to get the vaccine every year due to the rapid change of flu viruses. The vaccine you received in the year prior may not be protective towards this year’s viruses.
While the flu shot is easily accessible through local drugstores/pharmacies and your primary care providers, Licensed Home Care Service Agencies (LCHSA) like Always Compassionate Home Care provide the flu vaccine to not only their staff and caregivers, but also to their patients. By offering the vaccine to their patients, it provides the ability to confront the serious exposure to those in a highly vulnerable position in the comfort of home. At a time like this, making the flu vaccine readily available for our patients and staff helps keep our community safe.