The weather has been blowing hot and cold these days, alternating between sunny and rainy, several times in a day! Small wonder that more people are falling sick from having their bodies toyed with in this manner! Among the illnesses that patients sick treatment for, flu is one of the most common ones. In Singapore. flu season typically begins in November and can last until May. Flu outbreaks can peak in any month during the flu season.
The flu is a contagious respiratory disease caused by
influenza viruses, and it affects people of all ages. However, certain groups of people get it worst. They include elderly people aged 65 and older, young children, and people with chronic medical
conditions whose immune systems are comparatively weaker than others.
Flu is transmitted through the air by coughs and sneezes. The virus survives in the open in the moisture that's expelled. Flu viruses can be deactivated
by sunlight, sterilizer and
detergents. As such, frequent hand washing
helps to reduce the risk of infection.
Simple things to prevent yourself from falling prey to the influenza virus!
1.
Keep your hands
off your face – Your nose and your eyes are vulnerable areas for germs to enter your body.
2.
Get sufficient sleep –
Bed time is when your body rests and repairs itself. You should get at
least eight to ten hours of sleep every night. A good night’s sleep is essential
for the immune system to recharge itself.
3.
Work out – Working out regularly strengthens your immune system. However, if you're down with the flu, you'll have to go easy on your body and get ample rest.
4.
Eat healthily - "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" is an evergreen adage. Consuming plenty of
fresh fruits and vegetables improves your immune system and makes it eaier to fight off the flu virus.
5.
Every time you shake someone’s hand, wash yours
– Wash your hands as much as possible with soap to get rid of the germs. If you often find yourself in a situation whereby its difficult to find a place to wash your hands, bring a bottle of hand-sanitizer with you.
6.
Stay away – Keep your distance from people displaying symptoms like sneezing
and coughing. If you have to care for sick family members and friends, have the patient wear a face mask to prevent virus-ridden saliva and mucus from spreading all over the place.
7. Get a flu shot - Accordingto the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu. The vaccine is reformulated
annually to protect against strains of the flu virus predicted to
be most widespread, so even if you've had a flu shot last year, you should get another this year!
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