by Brian Lamacraft

Created on: May 01, 2009

The chances are quite high that you will get the influenza virus or flu, several times in your lifetime. This virus peaks in the winter months and outbreaks are quite common. The virus is easily spread from person to person. Symptoms may be mild to severe and more serious cases may require hospitalization. The flu is responsible for thousands of deaths each year world wide. For most people this virus is an annoyance that will be with you for one to two weeks depending on the severity. While the flu cannot be one hundred percent prevented there are several measures you can take to help protect yourself and your family from developing the virus.

Hygiene

The single most important step you can take is to use proper hygiene. Washing your hands is a very important flu prevention step. Use soap and warm to hot water and scrub your hands for a good thirty seconds to one minute. This should always be done after using the bathroom and several times during the day. If you have small children you should make sure that they have clean hands too. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as these areas of your body are entry points for the virus. If you have to cough put your mouth into your arm by your elbow and cough there or use a tissue over your mouth. Other steps you can take is to bathe or shower several times a week to keep yourself as clean as possible.

In Your Home

Try to keep the surfaces in your home clean. You can use disinfectant sprays such as Lysol on door knobs, phones, remotes, and other areas that come into contact with hands on a daily basis. The bathroom and kitchen should be kept as clean as possible.

Avoid Areas Of Sickness

If the flu is spreading in your area, avoid areas that may spread the virus rapidly. This can include the doctor's office or dentist. You may want to avoid high traffic areas such as malls, bus stations, airports, or other places where large groups of people gather. If someone at your place of work is sick it would be wise to let a supervisor or boss know about it. Going to work when you are sick will just spread the virus. You cannot function up to full capacity when you have the flu. If your child is sick keep them home till they recover fully from the virus. Another thing you can do in your home is to isolate anyone who may be sick. If you have a spare room with a bed the sick person can sleep there.

Diet

Your diet plays a role in the prevention of the flu. Try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables as these foods help to strengthen your immune system and aid in the prevention of diseases. If you eat a poor diet your immune system can become weak and your case of the flu may be more severe.

If You Get Sick

If you do get the flu stay home and get lots of rest. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking water or some juice. If your stomach can handle it try some soup broth or other light meal. The flu will usually pass within a week or so. If you continue to feel sick or your symptoms become severe it would be a good idea to see your doctor.

Flu Shot

If you are older you may want to consider getting a flu shot. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure about your risk factors. The flu shot is intended for people who may be at high risk of getting more serious flu symptoms and is not for everybody.

The flu is a common virus that most of us will get in our lives. Keep yourself clean by using proper hygiene. The areas of your home should be kept clean and avoid areas where large groups of people gather. Eat a proper diet to boost your immune system and stay at home if you get sick. These are some commonsense approaches you can take in preventing the spread of the flu virus.

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