Did you know that flu season actually begins in fall and can last until the spring, sometimes as late as May? Even though the flu season typically peaks in January and February, as national temperatures begin to drop bit by bit, it’s impossible not to notice that flu season is here.
The flu is different from the common cold. Your symptoms are much more serious than they would be if you just had a cold, and recovery from the flu generally takes much longer. For most people, feeling unwell is one thing, but needing to take time off from your normal daily routine to recover from the flu is simply not in the cards.
Luckily, there are some simple ways you can cut down your chances of catching the flu. We’ve provided a list of your best options below.
Avoid the flu: Get a flu vaccine
The most obvious way to skip out on catching the flu this year: get a flu vaccine at PGOMG. The flu vaccine is recommended for all ages except under 6 months. This means that men, women and children are all able to safely have the vaccine. This includes women who are pregnant. The vaccine is safe during pregnancy.
Avoid the flu: Wash your hands thoroughly and often
Take a moment to think about just how many surfaces you come into contact with each day – your desk, door handles, appliances, your cell phone, a keyboard – and this is just to name a few. Warm water and soap will kill the germs that spread viruses, and doctors recommend that you spend at least 20 seconds washing in order to be thorough. Use a paper towel to dry off and use the same paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door if you can. Avoid touching your nose and mouth as this is an easy way for any lingering germs to spread.
Avoid the flu: Rest when you need to
Sometimes, even after taking all the right precautions, you can still catch a cold. When you realize you are sick, it’s important that you rest. Exacerbating the common cold by trying to work through it can make things worse – your immune system is already lowered during this time, and you are highly susceptible to contracting the flu on top of your current illness. It’s important that you stay home and rest so you can recover. Doing so can help save yourself and others from contracting the flu virus.
Remember, the flu season is an epidemic. The CDC’s number one tip to preventing the flu is to get the vaccine. Contact PGOMG to schedule your flu vaccine appointment today.
