Mistakes to Avoid During Flu Season

By Medical Expert Team

Jul 26 , 2019 | 2 min read

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. Read below to know them:

Waiting To Get 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.

Not Disinfecting Enough

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.

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.

Not Resting Adequately

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.

Asking For Antibiotics

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.

Using 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.

Stressing Too Much

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.