It’s that time of the year again. People hurry to buy tissues, medicine, cough drops, Lysol wipes, and more.
Flu season happens primarily during the months of October through May, and has a heavy impact on students.
School buildings and other common public places are practically a breeding ground for germs and viruses, and it’s important to know what to have on hand and how to avoid getting sick.
What Is The Flu?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that is caused primarily by influenza.
The flu is most commonly spread through sneezing, coughing, or touching a contaminated surface before touching the eyes, nose, mouth, and face.
Symptoms of the flu include:
Fever or chills
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches
Fatigue
Headache
Commonly, the flu is a mild, temporary illness, just like that of a cold. But sometimes a flu can worsen and develop into pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, dehydration, heart problems, and kidney failure, causing a much more serious infection.
What Are Ways To Prevent The Flu?
The best ways to avoid the flu and any other illness spread through germs and bacteria are:
Washing hands frequently with soap and water.
Doing this can prevent the spread of germs from the eyes, nose, mouth, and face.
Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
The primary reason that germs spread is through your mouth and nose. Containing the spread of your saliva and other fluids that hold any bacteria can prevent surfaces and others from getting sick from it.
Avoiding contact with sick people.
If you know someone who shows signs of early-stage symptoms of the flu, or any illness for that matter, it’s best to kindly avoid them to prevent contracting the virus.
Staying home from work or school when sick.
If you’re sick or ill, the best way to avoid further sickness is staying home, resting, and treating yourself with medicine and other precautions.
The best way to shorten the duration of the flu is by over-the-counter medication for fevers and body aches, antiviral medications, and doctor visits for updates and diagnosis of what might be the problem.
Heading into the colder months, make sure to stock up on tissues, medications, disinfectant wipes, Lysol, etc.
The Staff of The Prowler Press wishes you a safe and happy entry into winter!