Ways to Avoid Getting Sick During Flu Season

"The flu" is any illness caused by the influenza virus. There are many strains of the virus, causing illnesses ranging from very mild to potentially life-threatening. Flu can hit at any time of year, but epidemics tend to recur at regular intervals. These episodic flu outbreaks are referred to as seasonal flu. Seasonal flu usually hits in late fall and winter. There's no cure for flu, but you can take precautions to avoid getting it in the first place.

Understand How Flu Spreads

• The first thing you need to do to protect yourself is to understand how the flu virus spreads. You first have to come in contact with it, then it has to be able to get inside your body.

  If an infected person coughs or sneezes, you can breathe in the virus. The virus can also be transmitted through touch. You can pick up the virus when kissing someone or shaking hands. When you rub your eyes or don't wash your hands before you eat, flu virus on your hands can get into your body.

  The virus can live on surfaces for a while. When an infected people opens a door or uses a pen at a grocery store, for instance, he can leave the virus behind. When you come along after and touch the doorknob or use the pen, you can pick up the virus. If you don't wash your hands, you can contract the flu.

  A person infected with the flu virus might not know she has it and might not be showing any symptoms. An infected person can infect others for about a day before symptoms start and up to five days afterward.

Recognize Flu Symptoms

• If you know the symptoms of flu, you can take steps to limit your exposure. Additionally, if you recognize the symptoms in yourself, you can help combat the spread of flu by isolating yourself as much as possible and taking other precautions.

  Common signs of flu are fever, fatigue, coughing, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, aching joints and muscles, headaches and stomach and intestinal problems, especially in children.

Take Steps to Avoid Contracting It

• The most important thing you can do is to make sure your body is in good condition. Get plenty of rest and proper nutrition. You want your body to be able to mount a resistance should the virus attempt to invade.

  Avoid close contact with those who might be infected. Don't share food or eating utensils or items such as toothbrushes -- in short, try to curb any actions that transfer germs.

  One of the most important protections is cleanliness -- in particular, frequent and thorough hand-washing. Make it a habit to wash your hands as soon as you enter your house. That way, you'll avoid touching any surfaces, and you won't infect your family.

Get a Flu Vaccination

• Flu shots are available every year that guard against many strains of virus. Because strains evolve and change, the vaccine is reformulated every year. That means one vaccine will not protect you indefinitely. You must have the vaccine every year. Leading up to flu season, the vaccine is available in many places: doctors offices, clinics, workplaces and other settings. Vaccines come in injections and a nasal mist. Not everyone can receive the vaccine. Check with your doctor.