Flu season is well underway as you may already know from sneezing, sniffling coworkers or people you see day in and day out. You may be wondering what the best ways to stay healthy during this perilous time may be. Luckily, we have some tips to help you stay healthy during cold and flu season!
1. Get a flu shot.
It’s important to get a flu shot every year, as the strain of flu can change and mutate. Just because you were inoculated last year against the flu does not mean you are protected this year. The flu vaccine can help stop you from getting the flu altogether, can help lessen the length and severity of the flu, and can also help keep you from spreading it to other people that may not have as strong of an immune system as you (think elderly and children, such as babies). Flu shots are very cheap if not frequently free. Check around!
2. Wash your hands often.
Make sure that when you’re coming into contact with surfaces that are germ-laden. Remember that some of the most germ dense areas are places like door handles, knobs, buttons, dials, and other frequently cleaning and sanitizing neglected areas. Remember, washing your hands with soap and water is much more effective than just using hand sanitizer, so try to wash if at all possible.
3. Stay home if and when you get sick.
We understand it can be difficult financially to stay home when you’re ill, and you may feel better when you wake up and slowly decline throughout the day. It’s better for you and everyone around you if you just stay at home and rest. You’ll be over your illness faster, and you’ll avoid spreading it to your coworkers or even your boss. We have tips for helping stay healthy around ill coworkers, make sure to check that out too!
4. Know the difference between cold and flu.
The common cold is generally seen as mostly harmless, whereas the flu can potentially kill you. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Keep in mind the general differences between a cold and a flu:
Cold:
- Stuffy and/or runny nose
- Sneezy
- Coughing
- Wet cough (“Productive” cough)
Flu:
- Fever
- Aching (Muscle aches, joint aches, headaches)
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
Generally the symptoms can be easy to mistake for one another, but the flu is more intense than the common cold. Make sure to get your flu shot before you get the flu to lessen your symptoms!
Have any tips or tricks you’d like to share? Let us know!
