Preventing the Flu
by Ngozi Osuagwu, MD | December 11th, 2022
I recently texted the following to my adult children:
My advice is to get your COVID bivalent booster and flu vaccine. Be vigilant about wearing your mask, clean your computer surface that you use with other people, avoid touching your eyes and take your vitamin C.
When dealing with adult children, you can only give advice and hope they listen. I was thrilled to get back the response – Vaccines done.
I am hoping each of you will heed the advice also. There has been an uptick in hospitalization for
the flu and COVID. Although we may not be able to eliminate people from getting sick, by getting the vaccine, we can prevent hospitalization.
The CDC offers the following advice to help prevent the flu:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean your hands – If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand rub (hand sanitizer).
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school
- Get plenty of sleep
- Be physically active
- Manage stress
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat nutritious foods
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid crowded areas
If you do get the flu, call your doctor immediately. Ask about antiviral medication for the flu. When your doctor prescribes these medications, take them as directed. The medication will make the illness milder and shorten the time that you are sick.
