Yeah, it’s only September…but the upcoming holiday season brings more than presents and joy each year! Because, in addition to the festivities…is the flu.
While debilitating for most, the flu can turn deadly for infants, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 5 to 20% of the U.S. population gets the flu annually. In addition to hampering your holiday plans, the flu also has larger societal effects. Workers being stuck at home means $16.3 billion lost annually in earnings, and a total of $87 billion of economic burden.
To protect yourself, and your pocketbook this winter, follow these top five steps to stay healthy and prevent the flu.
1. Get the flu shot
Everyone has their favorite excuse as to why they avoid getting the flu shot each year. Common misconceptions range from the vaccine will actually give you the flu, to its actually better for your body to undergo the actual disease.
Each of these has been proven false by the CDC. The truth is that the flu is a serious disease that is communicable, and can be spread to the immunocompromised who can’t be protected by the shot. In 2016, getting the flu shot resulted in a 42% lower risk of getting than flu. Get the flu shot early in the season since it can take up to two weeks to reach its maximum efficacy.
2. Watch your hands
Everyone knows the old adage that it is vital to wash your hands to prevent the spread of disease. However, it’s just as important to watch where your hands are going—particularly when they come in contact with your face. Researchers have found people touch their faces an average of 3.6 times per hour, and common objects an average of 3.3 times per hour. This frequency illustrates that you touch your face much more commonly than you wash your hands. If you are sick, try to limit the number of times you touch things around you, such as your phone, that will then come in direct contact with your face. Germs can easily be spread this way and perpetuate illnesses in your family.
3. Germs overstay their welcome
Germs can linger on surfaces such as your computer, bedrails, and phone much longer than most people imagine. The CDC estimates germs can remain alive and infectious for up to eight hours on common household devices. Due to germs’ longevity, it is essential to clean often-touch surfaces. At the office, wipe down shared workspaces and keyboards at least once a day. At home, disinfect doorknobs, refrigerator handles and the TV remote often.
4. Stay home
If you are beginning to feel under the weather, or have coworkers that come in sick to work, it’s important to keep your distance to avoid the transmission of germs. At the first sign of aches and pains, listen to your body and rest. Unlike a cold that comes on gradually, the flu hits like a ton of bricks. Head straight to the doctor in the first 24 hours to seek effective treatment, too. If you put off seeking help for too long, most pharmaceuticals on the market won’t work.
5. Take care of yourself
While the holiday season is hardly the time to slow down with parties and work deadlines, it’s important to not alter your traditional schedule too much. This includes making sure you are getting adequate sleep (between 7-9 hours a night) and eating a variety of healthy foods. Try to hit the gym or head outside on milder days to sneak in a little exercise. Not only will this help prevent getting sick, it will help prevent those extra holiday pounds from creeping on.
No one has time to get sick this holiday season! Be on the lookout for flu-like symptoms for yourself or those around you. In addition, be proactive and ensure your whole family receives the flu vaccine. It’s widely available, and many times at no cost to you. Don’t spend this time of year in bed feeling miserable!
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