Although the focus is on the COVID-19 outbreak, the flu season cannot be ignored. Just like the coronavirus, the flu virus can spread through mild infections.
Influenza is a viral infection that attacks the nose, lungs, and throat. According to estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 39 million people were infected with influenza last year. So the question is, if COVID-19 and flu occur at the same time, what will happen this winter? Experts do not yet know exactly.
However, there are certain measures you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones, and to help the hospital avoid being overwhelmed by patients during this flu season. The flu season may start in October and will not appear until January or February. Influenza viruses and coronaviruses spread in similar ways, so masks, social distancing and other actions are likely to be used to reduce the spread of influenza and coronaviruses. When an infected person sneezes or coughs, the mask provides a physical barrier for large respiratory droplets. How to prepare for the flu?
Both influenza and coronavirus are serious diseases. Prepare yourself and your loved ones.
- Get the flu vaccine:
Studies have shown that the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of flu, and even if you are indeed infected, you are unlikely to get seriously ill. There is currently no vaccine against the coronavirus, but you can protect yourself from the spread of the virus. The CDC recommends that anyone older than 6 months can get the vaccine. It is recommended to get the flu vaccine in early October to prepare for the beginning of the flu season.
- Stay vigilant with safety precautions:
Just like the coronavirus, influenza infection is also spread through droplets on a person's nose or mouth. During the flu season, you can also take all the safety measures taken to prevent the spread of the precious coronavirus, such as wearing a mask, keeping a distance of six feet, and washing your hands frequently. This will reduce your chances of exposure to flu viruses.
- Know what to do if you get sick:
The flu virus and covid-19 have similar symptoms, such as cough, fever, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of the above symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately. The doctor will better advise you on what you can do and whether you should be tested for flu or COVID-19.
- Stock your medicine cabinet:
If you have mild symptoms of flu or COVID-19, please stay home and feel better until you recover to avoid spreading it to others. The doctor recommends that you carry something with you in case you have any symptoms. Anti-fever medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), cough syrup, thermometer, and ibuprofen are used to treat muscle soreness. To measure oxygen levels, it is important to have a pulse oximeter at home.
Winter is the time for another infectious disease, such as respiratory syncytial virus (usually affecting children) and norovirus (a stomach disease). Taking necessary preventive measures against the new coronavirus and influenza virus will also help prevent the occurrence of these diseases. Washing hands frequently, developing good cough etiquette, disinfecting hard surfaces with disinfectants, and staying at home when sick are all good winter habits.
However, for additional fatal diseases, COVID-19 should also provide additional care. If we all want to return to the normal life of watching movies in the cinema, eating in the restaurant, playing in the garden, and sending our children to school safely, we need to take all the above precautions and understand that we are not only protecting ourselves, but also protecting our surroundings people.
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