Every year, thousands of Americans are infected with the influenza virus during the flu season. Seasonal influenza results in large numbers of illnesses and consequently impacts normal, day-to-day activities, from school attendance to worker productivity. A large number of hospitalizations are associated with seasonal influenza every year because it can be severe or lead to health complications in people with underlying conditions. How can you prevent catching the flu this fall? Here are some useful tips that you can apply.

1. Do Get a Flu Shot

Your first line of defense against the flu should be the flu vaccine. It’s hands-down the best guard against the flu this fall. Flu shots are influenza vaccines that offer protection against infection by influenza viruses and are administered with a needle, typically in the arm. 

A yearly flu vaccine for individuals 6 months of age and older is the recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu. While the vaccine’s effectiveness can vary from season to season, due to factors, like age and the health of the individual who received the vaccine, the vaccine protects millions of people each year from influenza-related illnesses.  

1. Keep Away From Crowds

Crowds are hotspots for the spread of viruses and you can prevent catching the flu by avoiding large gatherings. Self-quarantine for the entire flu season is not practical, if not, impossible. However, you can make a concerted effort to avoid crowds and stay home if you don’t really need to be out and about, or at a big event. Crowded space should be avoided, especially those indoors because they tend to lack adequate ventilation, and this could make the space vulnerable to increasing the chance of spreading the influenza virus. Maintain good hygiene when you are in a crowded space, especially during peak flu season, and distance yourself from people who are sick – exhibiting coughs and sneezes.  

1. Wash Your Hands Regularly

You can protect yourself from catching the flu by washing your hands regularly. It’s a healthy hygiene practice that helps to keep germs at bay. Your hands come in contact with many different surfaces as you carry out your daily activities, and germs may be present on these surfaces. You frequently touch some surfaces, which increases your risk of picking up the flu virus on your hands. It’s good practice to wash your hands several times during the day, following using the restroom, touching a surface that is obviously dirty, and before putting your hands to your eyes, face, and mouth. The CDC recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. You can opt for an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer or soap and water are unavailable. 

1. Stick to a Healthy Diet

Did you know that maintaining a healthy diet can help to keep the flu virus at bay? Sticking with a healthy diet helps to keep the body’s immune system up and running, especially when you need it the most to fight off infections. A healthy immune system that is firing as it should, will respond to the threat of a flu virus by attacking it and prevent you from becoming sick with the flu. A diet that is nutrient-rich with all the relevant food groups, from fruits to vegetables, filled with vitamins and minerals, will help the body to maintain a healthy and functioning immune system that will protect you from the threat of this fall’s flu virus. 

Walk-In Flu Shots in Paramus, NJ

You don’t have to catch the flu this fall if you take the necessary step to protect yourself. To be on the safe side, visit AFC Urgent Care Paramus for a flu shot and flu treatment this fall, where our team of professionals will ensure that you get the best care. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Protect yourself from the flu this fall. For questions, please call 201-262-2010.