What to Do About the Flu?

The winter seasons can be a time of great joy, beauty, and of course, coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose. Oh yes, the green mucus and scratchy throats. The ginger ale and DayQuil. The whole flu-season shebang.   Though the flu probably isn’t your favorite part of this time of the year, it does play a big role during this season. Here are some facts you probably didn’t know:

 

-It’s suggested by the CDC (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention) that Americans get their Flu shot as early as October. October is the first “peak season” for the flu, the next peak happens in late January early February.

 

 

-Approximately 22 million missed school days are caused by the flu.

-It’s estimated that 5% to 20% of American’s get the flu every year. This causes nearly 200,000 hospitalizations.

-The flu virus can last up to 72 hours on surfaces, including “Hot Spots” such as door knobs, phones, and remote controls.

-Adults are contagious one day before symptoms are shown and then 3 to seven day after the first symptom. Unfortunately, children are contagious even longer.

-Antibiotics only help with kill bacteria, and the flu is a virus. The best medication for the flu is rest and hydration.  

** For More information, see these websites…

1.For illness prevention

2.Clorox Flu Facts

3.CDC, if you get sick...

 The most important thing to do during this season is WASH YOU HANDS!! Warm water is the best way to keep contagious viruses, such and the flu or even the common cold, from making you sick. Be sure to not touch your face, including picking your teeth, rubbing your eyes, and yes, picking your nose (if you feel the inclination, wash your hands first!). Maintaining a strong immune system will help you stay healthy, taking a little extra vitamin C, drinking plenty of water, and getting extra sleep will help with this.

 

If you are part of the statistic that gets sick with the flu this year, do yourself, and everyone around you, a favor and STAY HOME. Being out and about when you are sick will make you miserable, and can but others at risk of becoming ill. Though work and school seem like the highest priority, your health comes before both of these things. So stay home, drink plenty of water, catch up on your favorite Netflix series, take vitamin play online solitaire, sleep, start a new Pinterest board, or what every make you happy, comfortable, and puts you on the right track to being healthy again!