How to Protect Yourself from Getting the Flu

December is here, and that means flu season is in full swing. With COVID-19 still spreading, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself from viral influenza strains that can affect your immunity and make it harder to fight off chest infections. 

At Integrative Primary Care in Houston, our experienced providers, Syed Farhat Zaidi, MD, and Saba Jafri, MD, specialize in providing flu care, including flu vaccinations, to help our patients maintain good health during the flu season. 

To help you better weather the flu season this year, we’ve gathered our top tips on how to protect yourself and your family from the flu and other viruses this winter.     

1. Get your flu vaccination

New flu shots come out every year, and it’s important to get yours each season, because different flu strains affect the world differently each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages everyone aged 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine every year. 

The team at Integrative Primary Care offers flu vaccines as part of our comprehensive primary care. The flu vaccine comes as both an injection and nasal spray, making it even easier to get immunized this season. 

2. Keep your hands clean

Influenza viruses can live on surfaces. So if you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, the virus can enter your system and make you sick. To protect yourself from the flu, keep your hands clean by frequently washing them with hot, soapy water — especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing. 

If you can’t get to a sink, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Look for hand sanitizers that have at least 60% alcohol for the best protection. You’ll also want to clean and disinfect frequently handled objects and surfaces with sanitizing wipes or household cleaning sprays. 

3. Cover your mouth and nose

Upper respiratory viruses can spread quickly through sneezing and coughing. So, you can help stop the flu in its tracks by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. 

And, instead of using your hands to cover your mouth, use your elbow or a tissue. If you use a tissue, make sure to throw it away immediately. 

4. Avoid close contact

Keeping your distance from others can help prevent the spread of viruses, such as the flu. Avoid close contact by not shaking hands or kissing people outside of your household. Also, try to avoid contact with surfaces that may have a higher chance of carrying viruses, such as doorknobs, handles, handrails, and other people’s phones.

What if I’m already sick and suspect the flu?

If you have flu symptoms, contact Integrative Primary Care as soon as you can. We can diagnose what’s making you sick and create a customized treatment plan to help you recover quickly. This may include prescription antiviral medications, which can help prevent complications and speed up your recovery. 

To get a flu shot or to get treatment if you’re sick, call 281-369-8543 or book an appointment online with Integrative Primary Care today.