Seasonal flu sickens more than 20 percent of the American population from late fall into the winter. Influenza is highly contagious and dangerous for babies, seniors, and those with lowered immune systems and can lead to serious complications and death. The less dangerous common cold lowers productivity and overall well-being.
Let’s talk about eight tips to help you and your family stay well during cold and flu season and where you can go to receive the best primary care in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, FL.
1. Get a Flu Vaccine
Getting an annual flu shot is one of the easiest and most effective ways to avoid the year’s prevalent influenza virus strains. While your PCP will be happy to administer this vaccine, you also can receive the shot at many area pharmacies, urgent care centers, hospitals, and supermarkets. Flu shot clinics provide seniors with a convenient way to get the extra immune system boost.
2. Stay Well Hydrated
You have heard the term “Push fluids.” This practice helps you when you’re sick but also aids your immune system in fighting off various germs, including flu and common cold viruses. Water is always a good choice, but drinking juice with Vitamin C (orange juice, for example) enhances your immune defenses and quickens recovery if you get sick.
3. Be as Active as Possible
In general, any kind of exercise can strengthen your health and musculoskeletal system. Moderate aerobic exercise for 150 minutes a week is best for most healthy adults.
However, if you are sick with a cold or the flu, take a rest. If you have a cold, light exercise can open up nasal passages and help you shake off fatigue. However, with the flu, intense exercise is never good, particularly if you have a high fever and extreme body aches and congestion. Also, avoid group workouts until you are well, so you don’t spread your cold or flu germs
4. Stay Out of Crowds
Limit your participation in crowded activities as much as possible. This means holiday shopping venues, concerts, sporting events, and other high body count activities. Social distancing is a good idea when contagious illnesses are upswing.
5. Wash Your Hands
Practice thorough and frequent hand washing. If you’re unable to use warm water and soap, carry hand sanitizer with you. Be sure to teach young children the basics of this important hygiene habit.
6. If You Are Sick, Stay Home and Rest
You will feel better more quickly if you get some rest and/or binge-watch your favorite movies or shows. Also, staying home while you are sick avoids spreading cold and flu germs to the general public, schoolmates, and coworkers.
7. Cover Your Mouth if You Cough or Sneeze
Colds and flu viruses spread by respiratory droplets from a cough or sneeze. Direct contact with the droplets almost guarantees sickness, and contact with contaminated surfaces, such as keyboards and doorknobs, can transmit germs and make you sick.
8. See Your PCP
If symptoms of the flu or a cold persist beyond 10 days, or if you develop new symptoms, such as high fever, deep chest congestion, cough, or extreme, lingering fatigue, please contact your doctor for an in-office visit. Flu symptoms sometimes lead to cardiac problems, pneumonia, sepsis, and other serious conditions.
Primary Care in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch,FL
If you need a primary care physician, look no further than the Intercoastal Medical Group. Our extensive group of highly skilled physicians and other healthcare providers deliver the diagnostic, treatment, and preventive measures needed to keep you and your family healthy. We help thousands of people achieve and maintain their best possible health, even during the cold and flu season.
To know more about our services, call one of our area locations today. You can also schedule your consultation using our convenient online appointment request form.
