The Flu: How To Stay Safe And Active
As the cold weather rolls in, so does flu season. Preventing the flu, not only for yourself but those around you, is essential during the winter months. The flu, or influenza, is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu attacks your respiratory system making you feel sluggish and achy. Some other flu symptoms include fever, chills, headache, cough, runny nose, and a sore throat. These symptoms may seem familiar to you, and that is because they are also symptoms commonly associated with Covid-19. Telling the difference between the two is a difficult task, and because of this, we recommend getting tested by a doctor if you exhibit symptoms during this flu season.
When the holidays begin, we spend more and more time with friends and family. Whether sitting around the TV watching Sunday night football or preparing a Thanksgiving meal, keeping those around you as safe as possible is important. Preventing the flu can be as easy as washing your hands more frequently. But other easy ways to prevent the flu are avoiding close contact, avoiding people who may be sick, and avoiding other people if you become sick. If you cough or sneeze, it is important to cover your nose and mouth, so your germs do not spread. When it comes to keeping your home clean, it is important to disinfect surfaces frequently, especially if you or someone you know is sick.
Staying active during flu season is also important to prevent the flu. With cold weather and warm drinks, most people would rather curl up on the couch instead of running the annual turkey trot. But keeping active during the winter helps your immune system fight away the flu. This is because exercise boosts your immune system, which helps keep the flu at bay, and away from destroying your holiday plans. Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to give yourself added protection. We recommend discussing the flu vaccine with your primary care doctor to see if it is the right decision for you. We administer the flu vaccine at all of our New York Health locations. To make an appointment, call (631) 758-7003.