The flu can wreak havoc on your body and put you out of commission for a while, but usually it comes and it goes. However, the flu can actually be quite serious, so it’s not something to take lightly. Your best option is to take action and be prepared when flu season starts.
Get a Flu Shot
The flu vaccine is your first line of defense. Everyone over the age of 6 months, with rare exceptions, should get the flu vaccine every flu season. New vaccines are developed each year to combat the strains of flu that are expected, so getting one every flu season is the best way to protect yourself. This is particularly important for people who are at a higher risk of complications from the flu, such as infants, those over 65, and those with certain health conditions or compromised immune systems.
Practice Good Hygiene
The flu is airborne but it can also live on surfaces. You should wash your hands frequently, avoid people who seem sick, cover your face when you cough or sneeze, keep hand sanitizer handy, and try not to touch your face. Also, be wary of touching surfaces in public that other people touch on a regular basis, such as tables and chairs, countertops, toilets, and door handles. Use hand sanitizer or wash your hands after touching any of these surfaces.
Sanitize Your Space
You can unknowingly bring the flu into your home, from packages you get delivered, your grocery bags, or your hands. Be sure to sanitize surfaces in your home regularly including door handles and light switches. It’s also important to keep the air flowing in your home by opening windows. An air purifier is also a good idea.
Wear a Mask
Since we all grew accustomed to wearing a mask during the pandemic, masking yourself during flu season doesn’t seem like an outrageous idea. If you’re going to be in a crowded space or traveling, a mask is one more line of defense.
Boost Your Immune System
Your immune system is your body’s natural defense against the flu. Keep it strong by staying hydrated, exercising, getting enough sleep, and managing your stress. You can also eat immune boosting foods like fatty fish, citrus fruits, berries, and green vegetables.
Stock Up on Medicine
You should also be prepared for getting the flu, so stock up on medicine and supplies so that you’re ready if you or your family get sick. You should have:
- Acetaminophen for fevers
- Ibuprofen for achiness
- Cough syrup
- Tissues
- A thermometer
- Beverages with electrolytes
Treating the Flu
If you do get the flu, recognizing it early can help you to nip it in the bud faster. If you find yourself feeling tired and getting chills, stay home, get plenty of rest, and stay hydrated. Take your over-the-counter medicines to manage the symptoms you may have. You should also pay a visit to your doctor to find out if antiviral medicines are right for you.
Risk Factors for Flu Complications
If you have certain risk factors, you should be sure to take all precautions to avoid getting the flu. Infants, children under five, and people over 65 are at higher risk, as are people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women.
People with the following conditions are also at higher risk.
- Asthma
- Heart and lung conditions
- Endocrine disorders
- Kidney or liver issues
- Epilepsy
- Cerebral palsy
- Blood disorders
- Metabolic disorders
- Stroke
- Severe obesity
Potential Complications of the Flu
The flu can lead to several more serious conditions, even some that can be life threatening. Unfortunately, between 6,300 and 52,000 people die from flu complications each year. Here are the most common conditions that come about as a result of the flu.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that is usually treatable, but can result in life threatening complications including:
- Fluid buildup around the lungs
- Bacteria in the blood
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Seek medical care immediately if you have the following symptoms:
- Severe cough with a large amount of mucus
- Trouble breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Fever over 102 degrees
- Severe chills and sweating
- Chest pains
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is irritation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi in the lungs. Symptoms include:
- Cough
- Mild fever
- Chest tightness
- Fatigue
- Chills
If you have these symptoms for more than three weeks, or if symptoms are severe, or you cough up blood, see your healthcare provider.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a swelling of the sinuses and can usually be treated at home. Symptoms include:
- Congestion
- Sore throat
- Postnasal drip
- Sinus pain
- Cough
- Reduced sense of smell or taste
If your symptoms worsen or you have the following symptoms, seek medical attention.
- Pain or swelling around the eyes, or a swollen forehead
- Severe headache
- Vision changes
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Neck stiffness
Ear Infection (Otitis Media)
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Hearing loss
- Drainage from the ears
- Vomiting
Ear infections warrant a visit to your healthcare provider.
Encephalitis
A rare complication of the flu is encephalitis, which occurs when the flu virus invades the brain tissue. This is a very serious condition and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include:
- Severe headache
- High fever
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Drowsiness
- Clumsiness or difficulty with movement
- Tremors
Even more severe symptoms include:
- Hallucinations
- Extreme mood swings
- Seizures
- Double vision
- Paralysis
- Speech and hearing issues
In young children, you should watch for:
- protrusions in the soft spots on the head
- body stiffness
- uncontrollable crying
- crying that gets worse when picked up
- loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
In Closing
When flu season hits, taking action can prevent you and your family from becoming infected, and from serious complications. Health Service Alliance is here to help by providing flu vaccines and other resources to keep your family safe. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized, and accessible care regardless of your ability to pay. Reach out today to learn more.
