Do You Catch the Flu?
While the fear of H1N1 has faded, there is still the coming of flu season.
The "regular" flu can be just as problematic, and it does kill.
Avoiding catching it in the first place is ideal, but what are the steps to doing so? Keep in mind that even if you follow all of these steps you can still come down with it.
However, you can make it less likely and finding out you have it in the first two days may knock weeks off the actual illness.
Cover Your Mouth: If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth, but not with your hand.
The new rule is that you cover your mouth with your inner elbow.
That will help you avoid giving it to other people.
Disinfectant: Regularly wiping down common surfaces could keep your household (or office) healthy.
Don't forget the TV remote, keyboard and mouse with your efforts, they can get really nasty.
This step may also prevent you from getting food poisoning.
Flu Shot: This is something of a gamble, really.
Scientists make an educated guess as to what the new strain will be, then make a vaccination to prevent it.
If they choose wrong or the disease mutates too much, the shot won't do you any good.
Fortunately, they usually guess right.
Masks: When we were faced with H1N1, many people started the practice of wearing a mask when out in public.
If it's the right type of mask, it might be useful.
Ask your doctor if this is something you should do.
Sharing: We were taught as tiny children to share with others, but not under these circumstances.
Don't drink or eat after anyone else.
The food or drink could be laden with viruses.
Remember, you are infectious a full day before you have any symptoms.
Use Kleenex: Well, any brand will probably do, but you don't want to be dependent on cloth handkerchiefs with this.
Only use the tissue once, then throw it away and wash your hands.
Leaving it around to continue using it can contaminate the surface it touches.
Wash Hands: That is the most important thing you can do, wash your hands frequently.
At the same time, don't touch your face with your hands.
If you've got the virus on your skin, it doesn't cause a problem until it meets up with your eyes, nose or mouth.
Wipe that Cart: There's a reason those wipes are sitting next to the carts.
Think about how many people have handled that same cart.
Were all of them well? Whatever they have is likely to be on it, so wiping it down could save you a lot of pain.
The flu isn't something to ignore.
Even young, healthy people can be killed by it, and it can cause fatigue for weeks after the other symptoms disappear.
Go to the doctor as soon as you recognize the symptoms.
There are medications that could make it less of a problem for you, and the doctor can find out if you are having any other issues, such as an infection, that could make things worse.
The "regular" flu can be just as problematic, and it does kill.
Avoiding catching it in the first place is ideal, but what are the steps to doing so? Keep in mind that even if you follow all of these steps you can still come down with it.
However, you can make it less likely and finding out you have it in the first two days may knock weeks off the actual illness.
Cover Your Mouth: If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth, but not with your hand.
The new rule is that you cover your mouth with your inner elbow.
That will help you avoid giving it to other people.
Disinfectant: Regularly wiping down common surfaces could keep your household (or office) healthy.
Don't forget the TV remote, keyboard and mouse with your efforts, they can get really nasty.
This step may also prevent you from getting food poisoning.
Flu Shot: This is something of a gamble, really.
Scientists make an educated guess as to what the new strain will be, then make a vaccination to prevent it.
If they choose wrong or the disease mutates too much, the shot won't do you any good.
Fortunately, they usually guess right.
Masks: When we were faced with H1N1, many people started the practice of wearing a mask when out in public.
If it's the right type of mask, it might be useful.
Ask your doctor if this is something you should do.
Sharing: We were taught as tiny children to share with others, but not under these circumstances.
Don't drink or eat after anyone else.
The food or drink could be laden with viruses.
Remember, you are infectious a full day before you have any symptoms.
Use Kleenex: Well, any brand will probably do, but you don't want to be dependent on cloth handkerchiefs with this.
Only use the tissue once, then throw it away and wash your hands.
Leaving it around to continue using it can contaminate the surface it touches.
Wash Hands: That is the most important thing you can do, wash your hands frequently.
At the same time, don't touch your face with your hands.
If you've got the virus on your skin, it doesn't cause a problem until it meets up with your eyes, nose or mouth.
Wipe that Cart: There's a reason those wipes are sitting next to the carts.
Think about how many people have handled that same cart.
Were all of them well? Whatever they have is likely to be on it, so wiping it down could save you a lot of pain.
The flu isn't something to ignore.
Even young, healthy people can be killed by it, and it can cause fatigue for weeks after the other symptoms disappear.
Go to the doctor as soon as you recognize the symptoms.
There are medications that could make it less of a problem for you, and the doctor can find out if you are having any other issues, such as an infection, that could make things worse.
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