Cases of flu happen all the time. They can be predetermined or can come out to your complete surprise. But no matter how soon we realize we get them, we start regretting it instantly and try to wonder how we got it in the first place. In the UAE, January and December are peak seasons, so you really need to be careful.

Also, keep an eye out for children who are also vulnerable. If flu is left untreated, they can develop into more serious health conditions. So by identifying the symptoms and following the below 8 simple ways to prevent getting the flu, we won’t let the flu ruin our daily lives. Symptoms of flu include:

  • Easily tired or fatigued
  • Pain in muscles
  • Coughing dry or with phlegm
  • Dizziness
  • Runny nose
  • Excessive sneezing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sweating
  • Fever
  • Dehydration

How to Prevent Getting the Flu?

Prevent Getting the Flu

1. Get vaccinated

Whether it’s you or your child, getting vaccinated is probably the safest measure in preventing the flu. Even though it doesn’t give you a hundred percent chance of avoiding the flu, its easy, convenient and safe.

2. Hydrate more

During flu season, you need to make sure your body is in tip-top shape and ready to handle anything. By getting enough fluids in your system, you’re helping your body to operate at its capacity as well as maintaining a healthy nervous and immune system.

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If you notice that you are feeling light-headed, the electrolytes in water will give your brain a boost. If you notice your throat is a little drier and you’re developing a cough, a cup of warm tea should help to ease that.

3. Stay away from the sick

Contamination is a severe thing. The problem with the flu is that it can be very easily passed on from one person to another. The transfer of germs from one person to another can easily make them sick. If you notice someone has flu, respect their personal space and do not come in any kind of contact.

4. Get your vitamins in

If you are taking extra measures to prevent yourself from getting the flu or already have it, you need to be looking to boost your immune system. It will help the body to protect and fight off harmful bacteria to keep you healthy. In this instance, you’ll need vitamins B, C and D. These vitamins will help to boost the integrity if your immune system and will fight off diseases and infections from harming your health.

5. Wash your hands

Most cases of flu are because of coming in contact with harmful bacteria and germs. It is usually transmitted through dirty surfaces. As your hands often touch many things without you noticing, wash them regularly and properly. The last thing you want to do is to touch a dirty surface before touching your face subconsciously. Carry a hand sanitizer if you need to.

6. Get rest

Pushing the body beyond its limits is one of the main reasons why people get sick in the first place. By not having enough rest, the body is depleted of energy, therefore taking compromising the integrity of your immune system from working in its capacity. It also makes the body more vulnerable to colds and other sicknesses. Be sure to get your recommended hours of sleep at night, a break in the day if you need to, and find ways that will help you to relax.

7. Warm baths

By preparing a warm bath or shower, you create a humid environment where you can practice breathing. This is good for relaxing the body after a long day while the moist air may help to clear your stuffy nose or throat.

8. Wipe down dirty surfaces

Whether it’s in the toilet, the coffee table or even the steering wheel of your car, if someone else is also using it, wipe it down from bacteria and germs. This means you won’t be coming in contact with the germs of others who may be potentially sick.

When to See a Doctor

Prevent Getting the Flu

When trying to prevent getting the flu before it happens, vaccination is the best thing to do. And while you’re at it, you can speak to your doctor on how to stay healthy, catch up on other health conditions as well as getting the advice you need on other health or lifestyle matters. If you’ve already contracted the flu, home remedies are the best thing to do.

However, if you don’t seem to be getting better or your condition is worsening, you will need to see the doctor immediately. The flu that doesn’t get better or takes longer to do so is usually a sign that it has developed into a more serious condition or maybe a different health complication entirely.

Head over to the Okadoc app to immediately book an appointment with your health practitioner.