12 Ways to Protect Yourself From Catching a Respiratory Infection This Year
As the seasons begin to change and the days grow shorter, we start to hunker down and prepare for the winter months ahead. For many of us, this also means getting ready for cold and flu season.
Colds and flu are caused by viruses, which are tiny infectious particles that are typically spread through the air, or by direct contact with an infected person. There are many different types of viruses that can cause colds and flu, and they are constantly changing, which is why it’s so difficult to develop a vaccine that protects against all of them.
If you are anything like me, you absolutely despise a head cold, let alone something as terrible as flu or Covid (and I suffered both last year!). The best cure I have found for a respiratory infection is prevention.
Why It's Important to Protect Yourself From Respiratory Illness
While the most common side effects are generally mild and include things like a runny nose, coughing, and a sore throat, there are some more serious potential side effects that can occur as well. These more serious side effects can include things like pneumonia, bronchitis, and even meningitis. While these serious infections are generally rare, they can still happen, so it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. In addition to the more serious potential infections, there are also a few other potential negative side effects that can occur with respiratory infections. One of these is that respiratory infections can sometimes lead to ear infections. This is because the infection can spread from the nose and throat to the middle ear. Ear infections can be extremely painful, so this is definitely something to be aware of. Another potential negative side effect of respiratory infections is that they can sometimes lead to sinus infections. Sinus infections occur when the sinuses become inflamed and infected. These infections can be extremely painful, and can often last for several weeks. If you’re starting to experience pain in your sinuses, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible so that you can get treatment.
CDC estimates that flu has resulted in 9 million – 41 million illnesses, 140,000 – 710,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 – 52,000 deaths annually between 2010 and 2020.
CDC also estimates that since the beginning of the Pandemic, a whopping 1,139,457 have died from the illness!
While the majority of people who get respiratory infections will only experience mild side effects, it’s important to be aware of the potential for more serious problems. If you start to experience any severe side effects, it’s important to see a doctor right away. With proper treatment, most respiratory infections can be cleared up quickly and without any serious complications.
As the weather gets colder and we spend more time indoors, our exposure to colds and flu increases. While there is no surefire way to prevent getting sick, there are a number of things we can do to minimize our risk.
There are a few more simple steps you can take to help protect yourself and your family from getting a respiratory infection this season. Here are a few tips:
1. Get a flu shot One of the best ways to protect yourself from the flu is to get a flu shot. The flu vaccine is updated each year to protect against the most common strains of flu, so it’s important to get vaccinated every year. It is estimated that the flu vaccine reduces the risk of flu by 40 to 60%. It is recommended that everyone over the age of six months get the flu vaccine, with some exceptions.
2. Wash your hands often Washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection. Be sure to wash your hands often, especially after you’ve been in contact with someone who is sick.
3. Avoid touching your face Another way to prevent the spread of infection is to avoid touching your face.touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. This is because the flu virus can enter your body through these mucous membranes.
4. Stay home when you’re sick and stay away from others when they are sick If you’re sick, it’s important to stay home to prevent the spread of illness. This means avoiding contact with other people, as well as surfaces like door handles and countertops. Just the same, if others are sick, avoid coming into close contact with them.
5. Cover your cough When you cough or sneeze, be sure to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve. This will help to prevent the spread of germs.
6. Disinfect surfaces Another way to prevent the spread of the flu is to disinfect surfaces that are commonly touched, such as door knobs, countertops, and light switches.
7. Drink plenty of fluids Staying hydrated is important for overall health, but it’s especially important when you’re sick. Drinking plenty of fluids will help to thin out mucus and prevent dehydration.
8. Get plenty of rest
Rest is an important part of the healing process. When you’re sick, be sure to get plenty of rest so your body can focus on fighting the infection.
9. Eat healthy foods Eating a healthy diet will help to boost your immune system and keep your body healthy. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
10. Avoid sugar Eating too much sugar can actually suppress your immune system, so it’s best to avoid it when you’re sick.
11. Get some fresh air Spending time outdoors can actually help to improve your health. Fresh air and sunshine can help to boost your immune system.
12. Reduce stress Stress can actually make you more susceptible to getting sick, so it’s important to find ways to reduce
When it comes to respiratory illnesses like colds and flu, prevention is always better than cure. After all, once you’re already sick, there’s not much you can do other than rest and wait it out. But by taking some simple precautions, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting sick in the first place!
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/index.html
%20sig.png)
