Flu Prevention

Typical of the flu is its rapidity to disseminate and the high degree of contagiousness under ideal circumstances. Besides, the flu viruses mutate from year to year. Every year there is a new type of flu strain that is dominant, what this means is that you can never develop a permanent immunity to influenza. Preventing the flu can be very difficult and it is important for you to know the basics of the flu and how it spreads to prevent it as much as you can. A healthy immune system is the key to protect yourself against repetitive colds.
In this article, we’ll offer some tips that can help to keep you safe from the flu when the season strikes.

Seasons:

The flu occurs at different times throughout the world, with a pronounced tendency to hit the hardest during the winter months. Why? Some scientists feel that since everyone tends to stay inside during the wintertime, our quarters are more confined and the illness has a chance to spread more effectively. Others feel that the cold weather can prove to be an efficient breeding ground for the virus, and it may allow the virus to live longer and possess a greater chance of infecting another person.

How is the influenza virus transmitted?

• 
  By inhaling the air that contains the virus. Sneezes and coughs can send flu particles flying through the air as far as three feet, causing more and more people to fall victim to the virus. It’s also important to remain very hygienic when flu season is about, making sure to wash your hands regularly.
• 
  By touching contaminated items. Doorknobs, keyboards, and other common shared areas can be host to the flu virus. Do your best to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or your mouth before you wash your hands, as you can come down with the flu through this manner.

What can you do?

• 
  Make sure to avoid close contact with any co-workers who may be sick. But it is also very important to remember that the flu can spread a day before someone even experiences any symptoms, and it can still spread up to five days after all the symptoms have disappeared. For this reason, minimize unnecesary close contact with people and crowded places.
• 
  Wash your hands regularly, as common areas such as the workplace or school are often breeding grounds for the flu virus. If you’ve come down with the flue, be sure to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough as to prevent further infections from the virus. Also, be sure to throw away used tissues immediately and after you are done having the flu, change your bed linens.
• 
  Keep your immune system as strong as possible to minimize the chance of getting the flu but also because the immune system is responsible for eliminating the flu virus. Be sure to get enough sleep, and eat a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. Some people find that supplements such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E are helpful when it comes to boosting immune response. If you live somewhere where a flu outbreak has taken place, you may want to ask your doctor about preventative antiviral medications that can help to keep you safe from the sickness.
• 
  Many opt for a flu vaccine, however vaccines aren’t a surefire method of preventing the disease They change from year to year as different strains of the virus spread, so it’s important to get one a month or two before flu season begins in order to reap the benefits. For those who are fearful of injections, they’ve recently introduced a nasal spray vaccine which can provide the same efficiency when it comes to preventing the flu. If a flu outbreak has recently occurred in your office and you are afraid of falling victim, you may want to speak to your doctor in order to get an antiviral compound such as Tamiflu which can help you to avoid coming down with the illness.

If you already have the flu, try some natural flu home remedies to help you cope it a little easier. If you are a diabetic or suffer from another chronic disease, talk to you doctor about how to get immunized before the flu season starts. Elderly people above 65 should also consult with their doctor to get some advice.

taken from : www.forhealthtips.com