It’s that time of the year when it seems like everyone around is getting sick, but there are things you can do to keep you and your family healthy this season!
“Flu season can extend through mid-March and sometimes even up to May. So, it’s really important if you have not received your flu vaccine to go ahead and do so now. It does take a few days to a few weeks to boost your immunity with the vaccine.”
Neha Vyas, MD, family medicine physician for Cleveland Clinic
Recommended Videos
Most common illnesses, such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV all have readily available vaccinations that you can get at many local pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, as well as the pharmaceutical sections of common stores like Walmart and Kroger.
While it’s encouraged to get immunized, for some, getting vaccines isn’t possible, whether it be due to a particular allergy or a religious exemption. You can still prevent the spread of these common diseases by doing the following:
- Wash hands for 20 seconds with warm water after using the restroom, after touching common areas, before eating, and before touching your face
- Stay home if you aren’t feeling well, and if you need to go out, wear a mask
- Frequently disinfect commonly touched surfaces and areas like tables, door handles, restrooms, keyboards, etc.
“In addition to immunizing yourself and your loved ones, it’s important that you make sure you cover your cough, or if you’re not feeling well, be sure to wear a mask. It’s also important that you wash your hands before you touch your face or before you eat, and ensure that all high touch surfaces such as doorknobs and kitchen sinks and faucets, bathroom faucets are cleaned regularly with a sanitizing or disinfecting wipe.”
Neha Vyas, MD, family medicine physician for Cleveland Clinic
If you’re already sick, be sure to get plenty of water and rest. If you see worrying symptoms such as a fever lasting more than a few days, a fever over 104 that won’t go down, trouble breathing, or these other symptoms, you should see a doctor.
Be safe this season, and stay healthy!