We’re heading into the season where the flu is common practice, We see a peak during winter due to people congregating indoors encouraging person to person contact and the transmission of the flu virus, so here we have some advice on how to avoid it.
Health on Female First
All About Health pharmacist Kajal Ruda says the best way to avoid succumbing to the seasonal flu is to have a flu vaccination.
In cold temperatures people become less active, perform fewer activities outdoors, may have a poor diet and increased stress levels which can all lead to a weakened immune system during the winter months, hence making you more susceptible to flu like illnesses.
People at high risk can get the flu vaccination for free but others should consider visiting their local pharmacy to have it done.
The body starts making antibodies against the virus about a week to ten days after the injection. These antibodies help to protect you against similar seasonal flu viruses that you may come into contact with and the vaccine provides protection for about a year.
The flu season begins as early as October and runs through to May so the best time to get the flu vaccination is in October.
Flu fact: The flu virus is contained in millions of tiny droplets that come out the nose and mouth when someone coughs or sneezes. These droplets can spread a metre and suspend in the air for up to 24 hours.
Winter myths exposed:
- “The flu vaccine can give you the flu” – Myth. Although a rare few may feel a bit sniffly after a flu jab, it contains inactivated flu viruses, so won’t give you the flu.
- “Starve a cold, feed a fever” – Myth. Neither of these are good remedies. When fighting a cold or fever the body needs plenty of fluids from water or juices and enough food to satisfy an appetite.
- “I’ll catch a cold if I go out with wet hair” – Myth. Colds and flu are caused by viruses. However, you might be more susceptible to colds in winter because you tend to be in crowded enclosed environments where germs prosper. Plus, there are some strains of cold viruses that thrive in the cold, and cold weather can dry out your sinuses, making them more vulnerable to infection.
Top tip: If you’re worried about having a sore arm after the vaccination, these tips may help to ease the discomfort:
1. Continue to move your arm regularly – don't let it get stiff and sore2. Use a heat pack or warm compress on the area
3. Use an ice pack on the area if it becomes hot and sore – do not apply ice directly to your skin, wrap it in a towel first
4. Take a painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
Q&A: What are the risks of an allergic reaction from the flu jab?
Some people are at risk of experiencing a reaction if they already have an allergy but your pharmacist will check with you first. Those with allergies to chicken and eggs should not have the flu vaccination but those with latex allergies should speak to their pharmacist because there are variations of the vaccine suitable to them.
Q&A: Is there such thing as man flu?
Man flu is not a scientific definition of a type of flu. However, there is research to suggest that men tend to suffer more from higher temperatures than women, and female hormones give women a stronger immune system.
Tagged in Health cold and flu Winter Health