Stop the FLU from spreading in your home

Flu affects many of us during winter season. Usually, flu season starts in October and lasts until about February, which means that winter time is flu danger zone. The discomfort of a person who has flu, can be a problem in the household. Before everyone starts getting sick and staying home from school and work, here are some tips to help you prevent the spread of the flu in your home.

Get to know the symptoms of the flu
The flu is a serious illness. It’s important for you to recognize the symptoms so you know what you’re up against – there’s a difference between being sick or having a cold and having the flu. The flu is a contagious illness that can happen suddenly. You need to watch out for the symptoms such as fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, headaches, and even fatigue. As the flu and cold have similar symptoms, it’s hard to figure out which one affects you. So, it’s important to consult a doctor to do tests to figure out which it is.

Stay home if you feel sick
If you start to feel sick with symptoms that may lead to flu, stay home. Don’t go to the office – take the day off or work from home. You might want to tough it out and continue what you do, but it’s in everyone’s best interest for you to stay home so the flu won’t spread. Really, it’s a courtesy to your co-workers to take a sick day, plus it’ll help you get the rest you need to recover. You need to get lots of rest and sleep if you’re sick. It helps you recover faster because your body can focus its strength on controlling the flu.

Keep away from those who are sick
Try to keep some distance between you and anyone who’s showing flu-like symptoms. Coughs and sneezes travel a long way. Avoid getting near those who show symptoms.

Wash your hands often
It’s very important to wash your hands frequently during flu season. Use hot water and soap and scrub your hands for at least twenty seconds to make sure that you’ve really cleaned your hands of germs. It’s especially important to wash your hands before you eat and after you cough or sneeze, or if you touch your nose, mouth, or eyes.

It’s important to cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue if you cough or sneeze, then toss it to a waste basket. This will help prevent the spread of germs through the air and hands. Sneezes and coughs spray farther than we think, so it’s important to use tissues to contain them. Be sure to wash your hands after sneezing or coughing. Flu can spread in one day before you start to show symptoms.