Of all patients who attended an urgent care center in the U.S., 98% received treatment from the urgent care center, while the 2% are sent to emergency room care. The flu is among those severe illnesses that affect millions of people in the U.S. yearly and could land you in an urgent care clinic. Fortunately, you can avoid getting it if you take precautions. Read on to learn how you can prevent getting the flu this year.
1. Check on Your Hygiene Practices
Flu is a highly contagious disease, and therefore, you need to be very thorough when practicing proper hygiene. It is spread when someone comes in contact with droplets from an infected person. These droplets can be transmitted through talking, sneezing, coughing, and when one touches contaminated surfaces. Therefore, disinfect surfaces that multiple people use, avoid touching your face, and also wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use alcohol-based sanitizers.
2. Practice Habits That Boost the Immune System
A strong immune system ensures that the body can fight any illnesses, including the flu. However, a strong immune system doesn’t just happen. You have to ensure that you incorporate healthy habits like getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly, eating healthy foods which include vegetables and fruits, and avoiding stressors.
3. Get Vaccinated
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting the flu is to get a flu vaccine annually. The reason why you have to get vaccinated each year is that the flu virus keeps on evolving. This vaccine reduces the chances of contracting the virus and the chances of finding yourself in an urgent care clinic if you acquire it. Ensure that you get your vaccine early in the season because the vaccine takes approximately two weeks to be effective. Note that older people who are 65 years and above have a specific vaccine with a higher amount of antigen than the regular shot because they have a higher risk for complications.
4. Avoid Crowded Spaces
Being in crowded places such as public events or shopping centers predisposes you to the risk of contracting the flu virus. If an infected person sneezes or coughs, the highly contagious virus will likely get to you.
Having the vaccine shot and taking all the prevention measures doesn’t mean you can’t contract the virus, but it will reduce the severity. Get enough rest, take a lot of fluids, and stay indoors to prevent spreading if you get the flu. Also, try easing the discomfort with over-the-counter drugs. If these remedies don’t help and the flu lasts more than two weeks, contact your doctor.