Anyone who’s had the flu before knows that it’s not the common cold. There’s no telling how your body will react to the flu virus once exposed. You may develop mild symptoms, or you may experience severe illness. No one likes to be sick with the flu, which is why you should take every precaution to decrease your risk of catching this contagious infection this fall. What can you do to prevent catching the flu this fall? Here’s a quick look at some of the precautions that you can take.

Say Yes to the Flu Shot

To protect yourself and others around you, get the flu shot, and protect yourself against the flu virus. The is hands down the best way to prevent catching the flu and transmitting it to other individuals. The more people who get the flu shot will lessen the chance of spreading it, which will amount to fewer illnesses and hospitalizations. Get the flu vaccine because it is updated each year to provide protection against the newest known strain of influenza (the flu virus often changes and mutates). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu shot helps to minimize the risk of developing flu illnesses, flu-related death in children, and experiencing hospitalizations.

No Crowds

Not everyone infected with the flu will exhibit symptoms immediately. You may not know if the people around you are sick, which can help to spread the flu virus. For this reason, it’s a good idea to avoid crowds, whether at an event on public transportation. If you have to be in a crowded space, limit your time there, and distance yourself from individuals who are coughing and sneezing. Maintain a 6-10 feet separation to avoid inhaling contaminated air that increases the chance of you getting sick from the flu. 

Wash Your Hands Regularly

Washing your hands regularly is a good habit to cultivate in order to protect yourself from germs. There are some surfaces that you frequently touch on a daily basis, and in the process, you transfer germs to your hands from those surfaces. It’s common to touch the face, rub the eyes, and put fingers to the mouth, where something as harmful as the flu virus gets to enter the body and lead to the flu infection. Wash your hands regularly to prevent catching the flu, especially after touching dirty surfaces, using the toilet and before touching the eyes, nose, and mouth. Wash thoroughly for 20 seconds with soap and running water, and in the absence of soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer to clean your hands. 

Choose to Maintain a Diet Healthy 

What connection is there between flu prevention and a healthy diet? The body’s immune system is responsible for fending off attacks from threats like the flu virus, and if it’s not strong enough to carry out its functions, you’ll get sick. You can ensure that your immune system is strong by maintaining a healthy, balanced diet that nurtures it for optimal performance. Include in your diet foods from all the major food groups, and avoid fatty and sugary foods.

Walk-In Flu Shots in Cedar Grove, NJ

Stick with these tips and share with your family and friends as well, and minimize your risk of catching and spreading the flu this fall season. Visit AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove for a flu shot and flu treatment and receive the best care from a team of skilled professionals. AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove can be reached by calling 973-239-2300.