As we grow up and get older, one of the biggest responsibilities we face is talking care of our health. One of the best ways to do this is to take advantage of the healthcare services offered by urgent care. These facilities allow you to see the doctor or a medical professional just by walking in. One medical issue in particular that we have to look out for as adults is the flu, which comes around every fall and winter during the annual flu season. No one wants to catch the flu, since even a mild case can make you feel completely miserable. There are several things that you can do to avoid catching the flu, and this article will take a look at a few of them.
- Get the Annual Flu Shot: One of the best ways to avoid getting the flu is to get the annual flu shot. No matter your age, the flu shot will always dramatically reduce the chance of catching and developing the flu virus. While it is true that the flu vaccine is developed based on speculation as to which strain of the flu will be dominant in a given year, it’s still better to get it than to not.
- Avoid Those Who Are Already Infected: Another way to avoid getting the flu is to do your best to avoid those who are already infected. The flu virus is most contagious in the first week after symptoms show, so if you are aware of any friends or acquaintances who have contracted the flu, be sure to avoid them if at all possible.
- Wash Your Hands Frequently: A third way to avoid getting the flu is to wash your hands as frequently as possible. It’s recommended to wash your hands several times a day anyhow, but it’s even more important during flu season when the flu virus is everywhere. Anytime you even suspect you’ve come into contact with the flu virus, be sure to go and wash your hands thoroughly, as that will go a long way towards killing the germs.
- Visit Urgent Care as Soon as Symptoms Appear: And finally, a fourth way to avoid getting hit with the full brunt of the flu is to visit urgent care as soon as symptoms appear. If you see a medical professional right away, you should be able to get treatment before the flu can really dig in to your system. You might still have a mild case of flu, but it’s far better than a full-blown case.
In conclusion, there are several ways to avoid getting the flu during flu season. These ways include getting the annual flu shot, avoiding those who are already infected, washing your hands frequently, and visiting urgent care as soon as symptoms begin. By following theses steps, you should be well-prepared to get through flu season without getting very sick.