We’re all too familiar with flu by now – fever, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, aches – and catching it can feel inevitable once the cold weather hits.
So, we caught up with Occupational Health Advisor for Teesside University Andrea Campbell to learn more about her tried and tested tips for avoiding it and staying fit and healthy this flu season.
Guest blog: Andrea Campbell
Andrea has been nursing for many years and specialises in community public health.
There is plenty you can do to try to prevent or avoid flu, helping yourself, your loved ones and the NHS over the busy, and often challenging, autumn/winter period.
The following tips will help you learn about actions you can take to protect yourself and others from flu and help stop the spread of germs.
1. Get vaccinated
The best way to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated.
Everybody six months and older should aim to get the annual flu jab by the end of October.
Vaccination of people at higher risk of developing flu complications and those who care for them is especially important to decrease the risk of severe flu illness.
The good news? You could be eligible for a free flu jab from your GP or pharmacist if you are:
- aged 65 or over
- living in residential care or another long-stay care facility
- caring for an older or disabled person
- living with someone who is immunocompromised
- pregnant
- living with certain health conditions
2. Wash your hands
Think for a second about everything we touch with our hands on a daily basis – door handles, lift buttons, toilet seats, light switches. Now think about how many other people touch these things.
It’s an easy way to spread germs, so washing your hands helps to protect you from them. If soap and water are not accessible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
It’s an easy one, and it could protect you from nasty cold and flu viruses which will be circulating.
The same goes for cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces in your home or work space.
3. Keep your distance
It’s true that this would be a lot easier if there were giant signs floating above those who were sick to let us know to keep our distance. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case.
But try to avoid close contact with those who are sick or exhibiting symptoms.
And the door swings both ways. If you’re unlucky and do catch flu, keep your distance from others to protect them. If possible, stay home from work, university and busy places.
4. Cover your mouth and nose
When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue to catch the germs that are escaping, or encourage others to do so.
Flu spreads mainly through droplets made when people with the virus cough, sneeze or talk, so this is a biggy.
If you’re caught off guard and don’t have a tissue, opt for the vampire method by coughing and sneezing into your elbow or arm. Why is it called that? It’s how a vampire would hide their fangs, of course.
5. Avoid touching your face
Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth can spread viruses.
That’s why it’s best to avoid touching your face altogether.
If you feel the need to rub your eyes or scratch your nose, make sure your hands are clean first.
6. Practice other healthy habits
Being aware of how germs and viruses can spread is key, but it’s also a good idea to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
That includes:
- getting plenty of sleep
- engaging in regular physical activity and exercise
- managing stress
- drinking plenty of fluids
- eating nutritious food which can boost your immune system
Following these tips will give you your best chance to enjoy the good things this season has to offer – like wrapping up warm and drinking hot chocolate – happy, healthy and free from flu.