Don’t catch the seasonal flu

Did you sneeze? Oh, bless you.

With the rain still pouring, many are coming down with the flu and cold, with symptoms ranging from coughing, sneezing, catarrh, chest and head cold, sore throat to fever.

A cold is a milder respiratory illness than the flu. While severe symptoms can make you feel bad for a few days, flu symptoms can make you feel quite ill for a few days to weeks, causing severe illnesses such as Pneumonia and lung disease. See WebMD for a more detailed explanation.

Here are steps you can take to prevent getting or spreading the flu;

1. Seasonal flu vaccine:

Taking an annual flu vaccine is one sure way to not only prevent yourself from the flu but also protect others from getting it. Flu vaccines can help prevent people from getting sick with the flu and lower the risk of hospitalizations and death.

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2. Keep a safe distance:

Avoid close contact with people who already have the flu or cold, as it can be contracted when the sick sneezes or fluids from catarrh, cough comes in touch with you. The same applies to you too, when you’re sick. Keep a safe distance to protect those around you.

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3. Wash your hands:

Washing your hands can not be overemphasized. When people sneeze or cough into their palms, then use that same unwashed hand to open a door or touch some other things, you are bound to touch too, you can get infected as the affected hand can make its way to your nose or mouth, if you don’t wash it.

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4. Cover your mouth:

Hey, we don’t have to share in your cold or flu. Just cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. That way, you protect those around you from sharing in the misery. Use a tissue, rather than sneezing or coughing into your palms.

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5. Try not to touch:

Another way to prevent a spread in cases like this is to avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes. That way, you stay safe from the viruses, spread about the masses.

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In addition to what we already know, it is also essential to eat healthy meals and drink lots of fluids, starting with water.

Have you caught a cold? Visit the pharmacy or the doctor.