While we often associate the winter months with flu season, it can begin as early as the fall in the US. Not to mention, it can last as spring. Despite being one of the most common medical conditions, the flu is treatable and alleviates within days of proper care.
With the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus, the common flu can seem life-threatening. As winter progresses, people are in a panic as they’re unsure if they’re experiencing the flu or are COVID positive. If you experience the symptoms, you should take the COVID-19 test. Flu seasons are quite stressful, but public health tips from CDC will help you stay safe.
CDC Public Health Tips for Managing Flu Season
1. Stay Indoors if you’re Sick
If you feel like you have the flu because of symptoms like constant sneezing, the best way to treat it is by resting. The flu and colds are viral, so the best way to prevent passing it on to others is by staying indoors, which means not going to work or school. The more you stay in, the quicker you will get better.
2. Maintain Your Hygiene
Always clean and disinfect surfaces you’ve touched to get rid of viruses and prevent them from spreading. Your immune system becomes quite weak with flu, taking regular showers, eating well, engaging in physical activity, and getting plenty of rest.
3. Wear a Mask
If you do decide to leave your home, always wear a mask as you are at a major risk of spreading the flu to others via droplets from coughing or sneezing. Whenever you’re about to sneeze or cough, always cover your mouth and then wash your hands. One of the major reasons COVID-19 spreads is when infected persons sneeze and cough. This can cause droplets to remain suspended in the air or stick to nearby surfaces.
4. Keep Your Hands Clean
It would be best if you constantly wash your hands with antibacterial soap, especially after coming into contact with someone or sneezing. This helps you avoid catching any germs.
5. Socially Distance Yourself
Avoid coming in close contact with people or generally stop meeting them for a few days as you could pass your flu to them.
Bottom-Line
Keeping these tips in mind and following them are quite important, especially with the flu season and COVID-19 outbreak taking place together. You can receive effective treatment and prevention from urgent care centers if you’re experiencing severe flu symptoms.