Flu Season and When It Starts in New York

Runny Nose? Sneezing? Fever? The symptoms of flu season are creeping upon us. Although the official start of flu season is in the fall, right when the weather starts getting chilly and the kids are back in school, it’s always smart to be prepared. Here are the best ways to protect yourself this year:

Flu Shot:

Millions of people get the flu each year, but you don’t have to be one of them. The absolute best and first step in protecting yourself is by getting the flu vaccine. It is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older to receive the flu shot every season.

With the amount of places that provide the shot, there is no excuse from being protected. If you’re located in New York City, check out Allay Medical, where Dr. Raisa Mitelman and her team can administer your vaccine and can also provide the best in preventive care.

Clean Hands

The flu is extremely contagious, and if you live in New York City, you are surrounded by things filled with germs from subway poles to door handles. And then even once you’ve made it inside your office, you have to face dirty phones, keyboards and that breakroom fridge handle. Just breathing the same air close to someone infected, puts you at risk.

The germs are lurking everywhere, so keeping your hands clean is definitely a good approach to not catching the flu, common cold or any other similar viruses. Make sure to carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as you can.

Eating Healthy

Another way to prevent sickness and not only just from the flu, is to consume lots of fruits and vegetables. It’s important always but especially during flu season to increase your intake of key vitamins like vitamin C to boost your immune system to help not only prevent, but fight off any sickness. Healthy eating also goes hand in hand with healthy living, therefore you should also be getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, not smoking, maintaining a healthy BMI and reducing stress.

If these guidelines have failed you, and you still end up catching the flu, you can prevent the spread of it by staying home and away from infecting others. And since you didn’t get your flu shot you can still visit Allay Medical, where they can prescribe antiviral medication, but make sure to cover your nose and mouth and continue to keep your hands clean!