5 tips to help you avoid the flu this season

Primary Care
5 tips to help you avoid the flu this season

The flu season has gotten into full swing early this year, already hitting 41 states nationwide, according to the national Center for Disease Control and Prevention. So far there have been 12 flu-related deaths reported nationally and that number is expected to climb. Chicago is among the states hit hard this year and chances are you already know someone who has sniffled, hacked and sneezed their way through the virus.

According to public health officials, this is the worst start to the flu season in nearly a decade, with emergency rooms throughout the area already filling to near-capacity. Prevention is key, many doctors say—avoiding the illness is easier than treating it.

“Influenza is a viral respiratory illness, so it affects the nose, throat and lungs,” said Dr. James Malow, chair of internal medicine and chief of infection control at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. “But there are many things you can do to avoid being infected.”

Most importantly, Dr. Malow says, is to get vaccinated against the flu. It’s not too late to get a flu shot or nasal vaccination. However, it does take about two weeks for your body to build up the antibodies against the virus, so it’s important to note that you will not be immediately protected.

Additionally, he offered these tips to help avoid the flu this season:

• Wash your hands frequently, using soap and water or alcohol-based hand gels or lotions. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds to eliminate germs, being certain to wash around your fingernails and up your wrists.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes, using a tissue, handkerchief or the crook of your elbow. If you cough into your hands, wash them before touching anything to avoid possibly spreading illness on to others.
• If possible, limit time in large crowds, especially in tight spaces, where germs are easily spread.
• If you do get sick, stay home! You’ll need the rest and time to heal for yourself and you’ll avoid spreading the infection to your co-workers.
• Keep your immune system healthy and ready to fight off infection by eating right, getting plenty of rest and exercising regularly.

If you do get sick, be sure to contact your primary care physician right away, Dr. Malow says. Avoid the emergency room unless absolutely necessary.