Reading: 7 Ways to Flu-Proof Your Home
Contents
1. Get vaccinated
share on Pinterest Health experts say getting vaccinated is the individual most authoritative thing you can do to prevent the influenza. There are nowadays four chief types of seasonal influenza vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) recommends that everyone 6 months and older who hasn ’ thyroxine had a previous bad reaction or doesn ’ metric ton have egg or mercury allergies get a influenza inoculation. The Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) has recommended the specific types of influenza shots for the follow people : Standard flu shot: This is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Intradermal flu shot: The intradermal influenza inject is administered into the hide, preferably than the brawn. It uses a smaller needle and less antigen. The FDA recommends it for adults aged 18-64. High-dose flu shot: Our immune system responses weaken with age. This vaccine may help improve immune response and increase prevention of the influenza. A clinical trial of 31,000 older adults reported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health showed approximately 25 percentage fewer cases of the influenza in those who received the high-dose influenza guess, compared to those who had the standard influenza shot. Nasal spray vaccine: There is some debate over the rhinal spray vaccine for the 2016-2017 influenza season. The CDC recommended against it, saying the nasal consonant atomizer is less effective than the influenza nip. however, it was hush approved by the FDA, which says its benefits outweigh any risks. The FDA recommends the vaccine for people aged 2-49 .
Are there any side effects from the flu vaccine?
The influenza vaccine in any kind does not cause the influenza virus. however, some people may experience meek symptoms after receiving the influenza shot, such as :
- fever
- headache
- chills
- soreness at the injection site
These symptoms are normally meek and go away within one to two days. Talk to your sophisticate before receiving the vaccine if you ’ re hard allergic to eggs or mercury, or if you ’ ve had a negative reaction to a vaccine in the past. It ’ sulfur best to schedule your class ’ second vaccinations in the drop before the beginning of influenza season, preferably in October or November. But it ’ south never besides late to get the influenza shoot. Flu shots are now administered in many local anesthetic grocery stores and pharmacies with no appointment required.
2. Cover coughs and sneezes
share on Pinterest influenza germs are believed to spread through droplets from the mouth and nose. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nozzle when you cough or sneeze. Make sure to throw the weave away immediately and wash your hands straight away. If there ’ s no tissue handy, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow. It can be tough to get kids to practice these habits vitamin a well. The Boston Children ’ mho Museum recommends a cute way to turn this into a game for kids : Turn a sock into a “ Germ Eating Monster ” by cutting off the round toe part of the sock and decorating the pipe that ’ south left. Slide the dress tube onto their branch and have them “ feed ” the germ-loving freak by coughing into its confront.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
partake on Pinterest According to the CDC, influenza germs can live for two to eight hours on hard surfaces. That ’ mho why it ’ s therefore easy to pick up influenza germs without knowing it. You can get infected if you touch an infect doorknob or light switch over and then rub your eyes or bite your nails. Learning to keep your hands away from your face can be baffling, particularly for children. Remind them much, vitamin a well as yourself.
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4. Wash your hands often
share on Pinterest All pass washing is not equal. For it to be effective, make sure you and your family follow these steps :
- Run warm water over your hands.
- Add soap.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse and dry.
You can sprout up on alcohol-based hand sanitizers for areas where sinks aren ’ thyroxine available or when you ’ re out and about. Store them out of the reach of young children and ensure children have adult supervision when using them. Make certain your hand sanitizers are at least 60 percentage alcohol, and remember that they ’ re not a replacement for washing your hands with soap and warmly urine — they don ’ thyroxine tackle all germs, and don ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate work on visibly dirty hands. You ’ ll want to remind kids to wash up :
- each time they use the bathroom
- before they eat
- after they come home from school or a play date
You can print out hand washing reminders to put up by your sinks as ocular reminders for children ( and unretentive adults ). It can besides help to set up a hand sanitizer station by your door, as a beginning line of department of defense against outside germs .
5. Limit contact with family members who are ill
share on Pinterest If person in your family does get the influenza, take these steps to prevent the influenza from spread :
- Keep the sick person at home.
- Limit close contact between the sick person and other family members as much as you can while they’re contagious. In general, this is up to a week after they show symptoms.
- Change sleeping arrangements, if possible.
You should besides avoid sharing the follow items from the sick person :
- washcloths
- towels
- dishes
- toys
- utensils
6. Clean your home
parcel on Pinterest influenza germs and viruses love to lurk on items you touch every sidereal day. here are some blistering spots for germs :
- kitchen sponges
- dishcloths
- cutting boards
- home desks
- floors
- sinks
- toilets
scavenge and disinfect these hot spots regularly. You can microwave your kitchen quick study for one minute on a high setting to zap germs. Better yet, throw it out. If person in your family has the influenza, take special care when washing their things. Wash dishes and silverware thoroughly by pass or in the dishwasher. You don ’ t have to do a disgusted person ’ randomness laundry individually, but try to avoid scooping up an armload of items and holding them near before washing them. Use laundry soap and dry on a hot set. Always wash your hands immediately after handling dirty laundry .
7. Practice healthy habits
partake on Pinterest Don ’ triiodothyronine forget the office of a healthy life style to fight off nausea. The play along tips can go far in keeping your immune system healthy and your family well this influenza season .
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Eat well, with lots of vegetables and fruits.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Exercise regularly.
- Manage your stress.
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The takeaway
inoculation is the single most significant thing you can do to keep the influenza from spreading. Healthy personal hygiene habits and frequent housecleaning besides go a retentive way to help keep the influenza away. If person in your family does get the influenza, keep the person at base, disinfect and clean your home well, and limit close contact with that person whenever possible .