It's That Season Again... How to Stay Healthy and Avoid the Flu

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While there have been talks about getting a flu vaccination, it's important to know how flu is spread, how to stay healthy, and how to avoid the flu in the first place. In this article, Beijing United Family's (BJU's) Chair of Family Medicine, Dr. Roo Changizi, tells us what to do during this flu season.

Flu Facts 101

Influenza, commonly known as flu, typically starts with a headache, chills, and coughing, followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches, fatigue, a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur, especially in children. 

The flu may spread from person to person even before people have symptoms. It is also contagious while people have flu symptoms. Most people recover from the flu, but some people are at a higher risk of developing flu-related complications. These include:

Children younger than five, especially children younger than two years old;

Adults 65 years of age or older;

Pregnant women;

People who have chronic medical conditions;

People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy; 

People who are morbidly obese (body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater).

How long are you contagious?

You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.

Every year before the flu season (winter time), BJU starts to offer a seasonal flu vaccine. Vaccination helps prevent flu viruses that are circulating that season. About two weeks after receiving the flu vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.

Why do we need a flu vaccine every year?

It's because the virus mutates every year. It requires a new vaccine to ensure proper immunity to the flu virus that is currently in circulation. The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but sometimes the flu spreads in the summer, as it has done in Hong Kong, and we may not have a vaccine available.

In these cases, good health habits like covering your mouth when you cough and washing your hands can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There are also antiviral flu drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.

Other preventative measures include:

01

Avoid close contact: If someone in your daily life is sick, try not to get too close to them until they're better. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

02

Staying home when you are sick: Take time off from work, school, and doing errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

03

Covering your mouth and nose: Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing as it can help prevent those around you from getting sick.

04

Cleaning your hands:

Washing your hands will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand cleanser.

05

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth: Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

06

Practicing other good health habits: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

This article was originally published by Beijing United Family Hospital.

Flu vaccines are available at most major hospitals and clinics now. For Beijing United Family Hospital, log on to their WeChat Mini Program to pre-book your shot. For Raffles Hospital and Oasis Hospital, scan the QR codes in the posters below.

Contact your medical provider to schedule your flu shot soon!

Images: Bigstock, courtesy of hospitals

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