Mistakes to Avoid During Flu Season

Influenza, more commonly called flu, is a highly infectious disease. It spreads rather quickly among people in close contact or stays for long durations in confined spaces such as offices, classrooms, and homes. While the influenza flu infection continues throughout the year in the tropics, it seems to peak in the early winter months.

There are many warnings and advisories issued by the government and the local medical bodies each year. However, there are a few mistakes that you may want to avoid during the flu season or at least while preparing for the flu season. Here are some key mistakes to avoid during flu season:

1. Delaying or Avoiding the Flu Vaccine

One of the commonest mistakes that people make is avoiding the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is a safe, inactivated shot of the flu virus that protects against the H1N1, H3N2, and other strains of the flu virus. It is recommended that the vaccine be administered in February or March, as it takes between 6 to 8 months to create the antibodies.

✅ Why It Matters:

• The flu vaccine protects against multiple virus strains, including H1N1 and H3N2.
• Immunity takes about two weeks to develop, so early vaccination is crucial.
• Even if you do get the flu, the vaccine can reduce the severity of symptoms.

✅ What to Do:

• Get vaccinated before flu season begins—preferably in February or March.
• Encourage high-risk individuals (children, elderly, and those with chronic illnesses) to get vaccinated.

Read more - Exploring Influenza & Respiratory Complications in Children

2. Not Practicing Proper Hygiene & Disinfection

Most of us are used to washing hands before meals. It is important to remain extra cautious during the influenza flu season and practice washing hands after visiting the grocers or after shaking hands at an event.

✅ Why It Matters:

• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face can lead to infection.
• Simple hygiene measures can significantly reduce flu transmission.

✅ What to Do:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when handwashing isn’t possible.
• Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces like smartphones, laptops, and light switches.

3. Ignoring The Flu Symptoms

Early flu symptoms are often overlooked and ignored. A stuffy nose, headache, low-grade fever, and persistent cough are often not considered enough to stay home from work. This is a huge mistake and leads to the spread of infection. You must call your doctor as soon as you notice the flu symptoms.

Explore: Headache Types: What You Need to Know

✅ Why It Matters:

• Early treatment can help prevent severe complications.
• Going to work or school while symptomatic increases flu transmission.

✅ What to Do:

• Recognize early symptoms: fever, cough, fatigue, muscle aches, and sore throat.
• Stay home and rest to prevent spreading the virus.
• Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or persist beyond a few days.

Related Guide: Strep Throat: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Guide

4. Not Getting Enough Rest

It is difficult for naturally active people at home and in bed. However, it is important not to return to work or school before fully recovering, and this helps the body recuperate and prevents infecting others.

✅ Why It Matters:

• Resting allows your body to focus on fighting the virus.
• Physical exertion while sick can lead to complications like pneumonia.

✅ What to Do:

• Take time off work or school to recover fully.
• Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
• Stay hydrated and eat nutrient-rich foods to support your immune system.

Further Reading: Top 5 Symptoms of Pneumonia You Should Not Ignore

5. Asking for Antibiotics for Flu Treatment

Antibiotics are not a quick-fix remedy for the influenza flu, and it is important not to ask a doctor for antibiotics unless very necessary. Overuse of antibiotics involves the risk that the virus may develop resistance to these drugs and may evolve into a resistant strain.

✅ Why It Matters:

• Unnecessary antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance.
• Overuse of antibiotics can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and allergic reactions.

✅ What to Do:

• Only take antibiotics if prescribed by a doctor for a secondary bacterial infection.
• Use antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) if recommended by a doctor.

Explore: Home Treatment For Diarrhoea - Natural Remedies for Relief

6. Relying Too Much on Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines

Using over-the-counter medicines can be harmful at the best of times. However, during the flu season, people tend to try different medicines to combat the symptoms, and this can cause more harm to the health than do good.

✅ Why It Matters:

• Some OTC drugs interact negatively with prescription medications.
• Overuse of decongestants can raise blood pressure and cause dizziness.

✅ What to Do:

• Read labels carefully and avoid taking multiple medications with the same ingredients.
• Use OTC medicines only as directed and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

7. Neglecting Stress Management

We keep hearing about the harm that stress can cause to our health. However, when we are suffering from the influenza flu, stress hormones can exacerbate the symptoms and delay the healing process. It is important to remember that resting and paying attention to our fluid intake are the two best things we can do if we have the flu.

✅ Why It Matters:

• Chronic stress delays healing and increases susceptibility to infections.
• Anxiety and lack of sleep (sleep disorders) can make flu symptoms feel worse.

Explore: Insomnia Treatment in Delhi, India

✅ What to Do:

• Practice deep breathing exercises and meditation.
• Get enough sleep and engage in light physical activity when possible.
• Maintain a balanced diet to support your immune system.

Further Reading: Insomnia Symptoms: Key Signs You Should Know

8. Not Drinking Enough Fluids

Dehydration is a common yet overlooked issue during flu recovery. Fever, sweating, and loss of appetite can lead to reduced fluid intake, worsening symptoms like fatigue and headaches.

✅ Why It Matters:

• Hydration helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear from your system.
• Fluids prevent dehydration and help regulate body temperature.

✅ What to Do:

• Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and clear broths.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate the body.
• Add electrolytes if experiencing excessive sweating or vomiting.

Additional Flu Prevention Tips

Along with avoiding these common mistakes, consider these extra tips to stay flu-free:

Eat Immune-Boosting Foods

• Include vitamin C-rich foods like oranges and strawberries.
• Consume zinc-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, and lentils.

Exercise Regularly

• Moderate exercise boosts immunity and improves overall health.
• Avoid intense workouts when sick to prevent strain on the body.

Read more - Constituents of a healthy diet

Final Thoughts

The flu may seem like a minor seasonal illness, but failing to take proper precautions can lead to complications and prolonged recovery. By avoiding these common mistakes—such as delaying vaccination, neglecting hygiene, and ignoring symptoms—you can stay healthy and prevent the spread of the virus.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flu Mistakes

1. What is the biggest mistake people make during flu season?

The most common mistake is delaying flu vaccination, which increases the risk of infection. Many also ignore early symptoms and go to work or school, spreading the virus to others.

2. Can I get the flu even after getting vaccinated?

Yes, but the flu vaccine reduces the severity of symptoms and lowers the chances of hospitalization or complications. It also protects against multiple flu strains.

3. How long should I stay home if I have the flu?

You should stay home until 24 hours after your fever subsides without using fever-reducing medications. Resting properly helps recovery and prevents spreading the virus.

4. Is it okay to take antibiotics for the flu?

No, flu is a viral infection, and antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can lead to antibiotic resistance.

5. What foods help speed up flu recovery?

Eating immune-boosting foods like citrus fruits, garlic, ginger, and honey can help. Staying hydrated and drinking warm soups or herbal teas also aid recovery.

6. Which doctor should I consult for flu treatment?

If you have mild flu symptoms, you can consult a general physician or family doctor. However, if symptoms worsen—such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or persistent chest pain—you should see a pulmonologist (lung specialist) or see an infectious disease specialist. For children, consult a pediatrician.

Read more - Chest Pain Reasons & Prevention