The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause fever, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. In some cases, the flu can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 39 million people in the United States got the flu during the 2019-2020 season. Of those, 400,000 were hospitalized and 24,000 died.
The flu virus is spread through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person. These droplets can be inhaled or land on the mouth or nose. You can also get the flu by touching something that has been contaminated with the virus and then touching your face.
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of getting the flu. These include:
- Get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the flu. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine every year.
- Wash your hands frequently. Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help remove the flu virus from your hands. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your face. The flu virus can enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth. Avoid touching your face to reduce your risk of infection.
- Stay home if you’re sick. If you’re feeling sick, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the flu to others.
- Cover your cough and sneezes. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, and phones. This can help remove the flu virus from your environment.
- Get plenty of rest. When you’re sick, your body needs time to heal. Get plenty of rest so your immune system can fight off the flu virus.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated is important for overall health, but it’s especially important when you’re sick. Drink plenty of fluids to help loosen mucus and prevent dehydration.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet can help boost your immune system and reduce your risk of getting sick. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Take care of yourself. Taking care of yourself means getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. These things can help keep your immune system strong and reduce your risk of getting sick.
Additional tips:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you have to be in close contact with someone who is sick, wear a face mask.
- Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home moist. This can help prevent the flu virus from spreading.
- Get a flu shot every year. The flu shot is the most effective way to prevent the flu.
By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of getting the flu. However, it’s important to remember that there is no guarantee that you will not get the flu. If you do get the flu, see your doctor right away. Early treatment can help reduce the severity of your symptoms and prevent complications.
