How to Prepare for Flu Season During COVID-19

While the spotlight is on the COVID-19 epidemic, the influenza season must not be overlooked. The influenza virus, like the coronavirus, can spread through mild illnesses.

The flu is a viral infection that affects the nose, lungs, and throat. According to CDC estimates, more than 39 million Americans became ill with influenza last year. So, what will this winter be like with both COVID-19 and flu in the mix? The specialist is unsure as of yet.

However, there are precautions you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones while also preventing hospitals from becoming overburdened with sick patients this flu season. The flu season may begin in October but does not appear until January or February. Because influenza virus and coronavirus transmit in similar ways, it is probable that face masks, social distance, and other measures will be used to minimize the transmission of flu and coronavirus. When an infected individual sneezes or coughs, face masks act as a physical barrier for big particle respiratory droplets.

How should you prepare for the flu?

The flu and the coronavirus are both dangerous infections. Prepare yourself and your family.

Get your flu shot: Studies suggest that the flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu sickness and makes it less likely that you will get extremely ill if infected. There is no coronavirus vaccine available yet, but you can protect yourself from viral illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that anybody over the age of six months be vaccinated. To prepare for the start of flu season, it is best to receive a flu vaccination in early October.

Maintain vigilance in terms of safety precautions:

Flu illness, like coronavirus, spreads by drips from a person's nose or mouth. All of the precautions employed to avoid the transmission of noble coronaviruses, including as masking, remaining six feet away, frequent hand washing, and so on, may also be used during flu season. This reduces your chances of becoming infected with the flu virus.

Know what to do if you become ill:

Cough, fever, muscular pains, and trouble breathing are all signs of the influenza virus and covid-19. If you have any of the aforementioned symptoms, contact your doctor right once. The doctor will be able to tell you what you can do and whether a flu or COVID-19 test is necessary.

Fill your medical cabinet with:

If you have a minor flu or COVID-19 symptom, remain at home and rest until you feel better to prevent spreading it to others. Doctors advise keeping a few items on hand in case any of the symptoms occur, including a fever reducer such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), cough syrup, thermometer, and ibuprofen for muscular pains. It is critical to maintain a pulse oximeter at home to measure the level of oxygen.

Another dangerous infection that occurs throughout the winter is respiratory syncytial virus (which usually affects youngsters) and norovirus ( a stomach bug). Taking the essential safeguards for covid and flu virus will also aid in the prevention of these illnesses. Washing your hands often, following proper cough etiquette, sanitizing hard surfaces with sanitizers, and remaining at home while sick are all smart winter habits.

However, with an additional layer of lethal illness, COVID-19, the treatment should be enhanced. If we all want to return to our normal lives, where we can watch movies in theaters, eat at restaurants, play in the garden, and send our children to school safely, we must practice all of the above preventive measures and understand that we are not only protecting ourselves, but also those around us.

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