Here Are the Best Ways to Prevent the Flu

The last thing you want to do is start off the new year with the flu. Getting the flu minimizes productivity at work or can even keep you out of work for weeks, which can mean money woes in addition to feeling miserable. So, how can you prevent getting the flu? It only takes a couple of lifestyle changes.

Dr. Syed Farhat Zaidi and the rest of our team at Integrative Primary Care always want to make sure you’re feeling your best. That’s why we believe it’s important to do everything possible in order to prevent getting the flu. Below, we offer some lifestyle tips that are easy to implement into your day-to-day activities. 

Why it’s so important to avoid the flu

Some people think the flu is just a longer-lasting cold, but, if you’ll pardon the pun, the flu’s side effects are nothing to sneeze at. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu has caused between 9 million and 45 million illnesses, between 140,000 and 810,000 hospitalizations, and between 12,000 and 61,000 deaths a year since 2010.

All of this is important to note because the flu is preventable. And it’s easier if you know how. 

Lifestyle tips for preventing the flu

If you haven’t already implemented these tips into your daily regimen during flu season, it’s time to do so now. 

Avoid unnecessary contact 

Avoiding contact with some people — especially those who already have the flu or who’ve been exposed to someone with the flu, such as a parent of a sick child — is paramount. Make sure to keep a little bit of distance between yourself and those who are sick. And if you’re sick, extend the same courtesy to others. 

Wash your hands 

As much as you can, wash your hands throughout the day. If you aren’t able to use soap and water after an encounter that may be flu-ridden, use hand sanitizer — it helps to keep some in your handbag or pocket during the winter months. 

Don’t touch your eyes and mouth

Whenever possible, try to avoid touching your eyes and mouth if it’s not necessary. If you do have to do so, make sure you wash your hands before and after. If you can break yourself of the unnecessary habit of touching your mouth or eyes, you can severely cut down on your potential for catching — and spreading — the flu. 

Clean all surfaces 

Especially if you have young children, it’s a good idea to clean tabletops, counters, doorknobs, and other surfaces they’re likely to touch frequently. Buy disinfectant wipes, which are extremely helpful for getting rid of germs and very easy to use. 

And last but not least…

Absolutely get a flu shot, especially if you’re in one of the populations that are more vulnerable to the illness, such as health care workers, elderly individuals, or children. The flu shot goes a long way toward helping you prevent the flu, and most people tolerate it extremely well. 

Want to learn more about avoiding the flu? 

We can give you additional tips for avoiding the flu as well as provide you with your yearly flu shot. Just call 281-369-8543 or make an appointment online.