Practical Ways to Avoid a Case of the Flu This Cold and Flu Season
Every year, millions of people are diagnosed with a case of influenza, also known as the flu. The flu isn’t just a bad cold, it is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause severe symptoms and result in serious sickness that can last for many days if not even weeks. Fortunately, there are a number of practical steps that can be taken to prevent either getting or spreading cases of the flu. Understanding how the flu is transmitted and how to stop it from spreading is crucial to protecting yourself from the flu this season. This article will review a few preventative measures you can take to avoid catching the flu, and when to seek medical care for flu-like symptoms.
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, Priority 1 Urgent Care is here to help. Our office is open every day, including weekends and most holidays, to provide prompt diagnosis and treatment. Our compassionate and excellent team of doctors will evaluate your symptoms and signs, perform appropriate diagnostic testing, and form a treatment plan to help you get on the road to recovery. Visit the office today for same-day care on a walk-in basis, or save a spot online in advance by using the button below.
Understanding How the Flu Spreads
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to the flu. The flu is highly contagious and spreads through airborne particles, germs lingering on surfaces like doorknobs and elevator buttons, and direct contact with someone who is sick with the flu. Transmission is especially high in indoor settings like schools and offices, and on planes and trains.
Everyday Habits that Reduce Your Chances of Contracting the Flu
If you’re hoping to avoid the flu this flu season, there are a few simple things you can incorporate into your daily routine. Washing your hands often and properly, with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds is essential. Hand sanitizer is also very useful for helping to kill various germs in a pinch. Avoid inadvertently touching your face, because it’s easy to transfer the virus from your hands to your respiratory system simply by rubbing your nose, eyes, or mouth. When possible, sanitize your space in the office, on public or air transportation, or your desk at school to try and kill any lingering germs.
How Effective Is the Flu Shot at Preventing the Flu?
The healthcare community widely recommends that everyone receive their annual flu shot to best protect themselves from the flu. The flu shot works by priming your body’s immune system to react to the virus if you are exposed, having built up the necessary antibodies to fight the virus effectively following the flu shot. While no vaccine is 100% effective at preventing infection and illness, getting a flu shot does mean that your immune system will be able to better fight off the influenza virus if you do contract it, resulting in a faster recovery time with less severe symptoms and less chance to spread it to others.
Visit Priority 1 Urgent Care for Rapid Flu Symptom Diagnosis and Treatment
In the northeastern United States, flu season usually begins in mid to late fall and can last well into the spring months, which is one reason we encourage people to get a flu shot even as late as the late winter spring. During this time, it is important to take the necessary precautions in your daily life to avoid catching the flu. Simple everyday actions like not touching your face, washing your hands often, and sanitizing commonly touched surfaces can all greatly reduce your chances of catching the flu this season.
If you are feeling sick with flu-like symptoms, or want to get your flu shot, be sure to visit our office! At Priority 1 Urgent Care, our doctors are available 7 days a week to provide prompt evaluation and care for flu symptoms. We offer flu shots for patients ages 18 and up on a walk-in basis. We accept most medical insurance plans, and have competitive rates for self-paying patients. Walk into the office for same-day care this flu season, or give us a call at (518) 867-8040 to learn more about the conditions we treat.