Overview
Flu season is ramping up, and colds and viruses are abundant, not to mention the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoping to stay healthy during this germy season? These timely tips can help.
Since both COVID-19 and flu can cause serious illness, and you can’t tell which one you have without getting tested, reducing your risk of catching the flu is important. A yearly flu vaccine for almost everyone 6 months and older is the most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of getting the flu. It’s important to get your flu vaccine because the flu and COVID-19 may be circulating at the same time and cause similar symptoms. Compared to the flu, COVID-19 can cause more serious illnesses in some people. COVID-19 can also take longer before people show symptoms and people can be contagious for longer. Colds, the flu, and COVID-19 are all respiratory viruses that share some similar symptoms.
A few of those symptoms include:
- Stuffed or runny nose.
- Cough.
- Sore throat.
- Fatigue.
- Fever or feeling feverish or having chills.
The flu vaccine doesn’t protect you from COVID-19, but the flu vaccine could reduce flu symptoms that could be confused with COVID-19 symptoms. And, there’s more you can do. These stay-well strategies can help keep you and your family from getting—or passing along—COVID-19, a cold, or the flu.
The sooner the better
Just as the COVID-19 vaccine is essential to lowering your risk of COVID-19, so, too, is the flu vaccine in lowering your risk of getting the flu. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body to protect against the flu or COVID-19. Getting vaccinated as soon as possible after it becomes available each year provides the most protection.
Think about the sink
Wash hands regularly: before you eat, after the restroom, after going out to public places, after riding public transit, trains, and planes. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. More: When & How to Wash Your Hands.
Clean your screens
Clean phones and tablets daily. Your hands are all over those all day.
Hand yourself some hygiene
Soap and water aren’t always available. Keep hand sanitizer in your car, your bag, and your workspace.
Give your face some space
Limit how much you touch your face. Germs can enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Cover your cough
Make it a habit to cough or sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your elbow. Teach kids this trick, too.
Keep your distance
Avoid close contact with anyone ill. If you do get sick, stay home until you’re better.
Wipe ’em out
Regularly clean surfaces you touch often, such as keyboards, remote controls, door handles, and countertops.
Sharing is not caring
Remind your family not to share items such as cups, silverware, or toothbrushes.
Build a strong defense
Get plenty of sleep, water, healthy foods, and regular exercise. Healthier bodies fight illness better.
Wear a mask or face covering
while indoors in public places. This can help to keep you from ingesting any viral particles in the air. Also, if you happen to be sick yourself, you are less likely to spread any illness to anyone around you.
Replenish
with high-dose vitamins and antioxidants. IV therapy can help resolve flu symptoms. It also removes toxins, while replenishing the vital nutrients and vitamins in your body and rehydrating your system. More: IV Therapy.