Fall equinox brings the changing of colors, the scent of burning wood in the air and cooler breezes through your bedroom window. It also invites an evil virus in the mix of the beauty and can knock you off your feet for one to two weeks. Missing class due to sickness can definitely set you back so what type of precautions are you taking during this flu season?
According to www.flu.gov, there are three steps you and your family can take to stay healthy this season.
Get vaccinated – Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu
Take everyday precautions – Take precautions like washing your hands to protect your health
Preventive antiviral medications – If you are exposed to or caring for someone with the flu, talk to your doctor about preventive antiviral medications

The basics – five W’s and 1H – Retrieved from http://www.flu.gov.

Who can get the flu virus?
Children and infants, seniors, people with disabilities, people with health conditions, travelers and people living abroad; everyone and anyone!

What is seasonal flu?
A contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. Many people mistake or misuse the word “stomach flu” but the flu is only a respiratory disease, not a stomach or intestinal disease.

Where can you pick up the flu virus?
At school, on a bus, in a hospital, at your doctor’s office, in your child’s classroom, etc.

When can you get the flu virus?
The flu season typically starts in the fall and peaks in January or February. It can occur as early as October and as late as May.

Why do some people get the flu virus?
Children are more likely to get the flu because their immune systems are still developing. Diabetes or heart disease can weaken your immune system against the flu. Others who suffer with arthritis or have/had cancer are at an increased risk of complications from the flu virus.

How do we spread the flu virus?
Most experts believe that the flu is spread when a person with the flu coughs, sneezes or talks and droplets containing the germ lands in your mouth or nose. The flu is spread also by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.
Understanding how to prevent the flu and what to implement in your daily living is half the battle. Be mindful of how you conduct yourself through this next flu season. Your diet, how much you exercise, and your work environment also have a huge part of avoiding the flu virus this season. Don’t forget to educate your family and friends on how to keep themselves safe from catching this terrible virus.