​5 Steps to Fighting the Flu

‘Tis the season for the flu. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that from October 1, 2019 through January 25, 2020, there have been:
- 19 million to 26 million flu illnesses
- 8.6 million to 12 million flu medical visits
- 180,000 to 310,000 flu hospitalizations
- 10,000 to 25,000 flu deaths

Here are five steps you can do to fight the flu:

1) Know Your Facts 

• Flu and colds may seem the same, but they are different. The virus causing the flu can lead to serious complications (as mentioned above), whereas those of common colds will not. 
• Symptoms of the flu are worse than that of the common cold. Watch out for sudden onset of fever with body and muscle aches, chills, cough, headache, and sore throat. Colds rarely come with a fever. 
• Some natural remedies help with the common cold. These are:

     
​      - oral zinc products
      - rinsing the nose and sinuses with filtered/treated water (NOT            tap water) 
      - honey
      - vitamin C
      - probiotics
      - meditation
However, with the flu, there’s little evidence to show effectivity. But if any of these remedies make you feel better, there’s no harm in doing it. Just be mindful that some natural remedies may interact with each other. 

2) Take preventive actions to avoid exposure 

• Avoid crowded and tight places. Use the stairs instead of the elevator if it’s packed (especially when you see someone coughing or blowing his nose). 
• Avoid being with sick people. 
• If you are, avoid getting close to them. If you’ve touched them, avoid touching your mouth or nose without washing your hands first. Wear a mask.

3) Boost your immunity 

• Get the flu vaccine, preferably around October, which marks the start of the flu season, especially if you belong to the high-risk groups. The vaccine needs two weeks to start working. Most people receive their flu shot between December and March. 
• Get plenty of rest and enough sleep. Your body needs the reserve energy to fight the bugs off your system. 
• Eat healthy with lots of fresh vegetables and fruits. 
• Drink lots of water. 
• Keep warm, and avoid exposures. 

4) Stop the spread of the virus 

• If you are sick, avoid crowded places, so you don’t infect others. Stay home for at least 24 hours until you’re fever-free without fever-lowering medicine. Flu is most contagious within the first 3-4 days from the start of symptoms. 
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the tissue and wash your hands. 
• Disinfect hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub, especially after touching objects held in common use like doorknobs, drawer handles, telephones, or money.

5) Fight Back 
You may need antiviral drugs (most would not) if you belong to the high-risk group to avoid flu complications like:
 - pneumonia 
 - sinus and ear infections
 - inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) 
 - inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), 
 - inflammation of the muscles (myositis), or 
 - multi-organ failure (respiratory or kidney failure). 

High-risk group includes:
- adults 65 years and older
- pregnant women
- young children and those with neurologic condition
- people with asthma, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer

Stay well hydrated and well-rested. 

Flu may be in season but you don’t have to go with the fad. You can be stronger than the flu bug. 

For more information, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/rinsing-your sinuses-neti-pots-safe for more information
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/resource-center/toolkit/index.htm
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