The winter months bring both the holidays and an increase in cold and flu symptoms. How can you protect your family this winter while you are attending more holiday events and entertaining more guests? These tips will help you to be more health conscious and prepared for the upcoming illness season.
Get your flu shots
The flu shot has shown success in reducing the chances of getting the flu. It has also shown success in reducing the length and symptoms of the flu. If you have not yet gotten your flu shot, it is time to head to your local walk in urgent care centers. Walk in urgent care centers do not require an appointment, so you and your family can walk right in and get your flu shot in no time. On average, between 5% and 20% of Americans come down with the flu each year. Make sure the flu virus does not ruin your family holidays.
Get in the habit of washing your hands
The hands are the most common transition method for both colds and the flu. Now is the time to get in the habit of washing your hands more often. If you are in a public place, make sure you bring hand sanitizer with you. Teach your children the importance of washing their hands, both at school and at home. The simple act of washing hands has shown to reduce the chances of both getting and spreading both cold and flu. Every year, Americans get approximately 1 billion colds. Reduce your chances by being adamant about washing hands.
Avoid leaving the house when you are feeling sick
With such busy schedules today, people feel required to attend both work and school, despite being sick. It is best to stay at home and rest when you are sick. Going into the office will spread the illness to others and it is even possible that you will get it back. Additionally, causing others to be sick will increase your workload during a busy season. Your body has a better chance at a quicker recovery if you stay home and fight off the sickness. If you find the symptoms to be especially problematic, consider visiting your local walk in urgent care centers. These multicare medical care clinics can evaluate both cold and flu symptoms.
Regularly clean your house with sanitizer
Many people entertain numerous family members and friends during the holiday seasons. This mixture of germs can increase your chances at getting sick. Make sure you are regularly cleaning your house with sanitizer, both before and after receiving guests. If you are experiencing either cold or flu symptoms, consider rescheduling to avoid getting anyone else sick. Cold symptoms usually last from 48 hours to 14 days. The average person, however, makes a full recovery within 10 days. If your cold or flu symptoms do not seem to be going away, visit one of your local walk in urgent care centers. In some cases, antibiotics are needed.
Be careful about antibiotic use
Many physicians prescribe antibiotics for both cold and flu symptoms. However, you need to be careful about your antibiotic use during this sickness season. Taking antibiotics for medical conditions that are not bacterial can cause you to develop a resistance. If you should come down with a bacterial infection later in the cold and flu season, the medication might not be as successful. Only seek medical attention if you are unable to get over a cold or flu or if you are concerned about your medical symptoms.
Cold and flu season is shared with the holiday season. More people are mingling and attending busy events during this season. You can reduce your chances of getting ill during the holiday season with flu vaccinations, hand washing practicing, and being consistent about sanitizing your house. Also, know when you should stay at home to prevent spreading the cold or flu further.