Beating the Flu This Winter: Some Steps to Take

1. R BEATING THE FLU THIS WINTER: BEATING THE FLU THIS WINTER: SOME STEPS TO TAKE SOME STEPS TO TAKE After record-breaking low numbers of the flu the past two years due to lockdowns and social distancing, Australia is expected to go back to its high flu numbers in the winter of 2022. Already, with the winter months yet to begin, we have started seeing a surge in flu numbers, with cases in NSW more than doubling in the past few weeks. What to do to protect yourself from the flu: Get Vaccinated The best way to protect yourself against this virus is to get the annual flu shot, even if you got it last year. The influenza virus is constantly mutating Avoid close contact The COVID-19 pandemic has made us all ultra-aware of how important it is to maintain a safe distance from people who might be sick. You may also want to stay away from loved ones and colleagues if you have started showing symptoms of flu or feel unwell in any way. Cover your mouth and nose Although face masks are no longer mandatory, it can be a good idea to keep covering your mouth and nose when out and about to protect yourself from possibly sick people around you, especially if you belong to a demographic at greater risk of contracting the virus. Wash your hands regularly Regular hand washing with some antibacterial soap and water can also help keep you safe from the virus. If soap and water aren’t readily available, it is a good idea to keep an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with you at all times and frequently sanitise your hands when out and about. What to do if you have the flu: Stay home The most important thing to do when you come down with the flu is to stay at home because the flu virus is most contagious in the first two days of symptoms appearing. Staying home will also allow you to get rest and prevent spreading the illness to vulnerable members of society. Eat healthy foods Fresh fruit and vegetables are extremely important when battling any kind of sickness to replenish the body’s store of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These will help your immune system fight off the virus faster. If your symptoms don’t improve even after two to three days, it might be a good idea to book an online medical consultation with Prime Medic and get an online prescription for antiviral medication to give your body a boost. https://www.primemedic.com.au/