Even though the 2024-25 flu season has been underway for several months, DON’T skip your flu shot! Physicians recommend that almost everyone over the age of six months old get vaccinated – and it’s particularly critical for high-risk individuals such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions.
The United States is experiencing the most severe flu season in the past 15 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency estimates that there have been between 29 and 51 million cases of influenza since October 1, and between 16,000 and 79,000 people have died from it.
In addition to not skipping or delaying the flu shot, physicians say there are several other things they DON’T do in order to stay healthy:
They DON’T go to work or school if they’re sick. Since flus spread from an infected person through respiratory droplets and surfaces, it’s best to stay home if you’re sick to reduce the risk of transmission. “We each have a responsibility to each other and when we go to work while sick, we place others around us at risk,” said Dr. Richard A. Martinello.
They DON’T go out without a mask when sick. “Anyone with a respiratory illness should wear a mask when they are in public places indoors or outdoors if they are next to other people,” said Dr. John Swartzberg. This greatly decreases the risk of respiratory droplets that can be released in the air when you cough or sneeze while sick.
They DON’T skip hand-washing. “When our hands get contaminated after touching a surface where the virus may be present, touching our eyes or nose with those contaminated fingers can expose us and make us sick,” Martinello explained. If you don’t have access to soap and water, you can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a temporary disinfectant.
They DON’T stick to a normal, busy routine. “Oftentimes, we try to push through and keep going and going, regardless of how we feel physically,” said Dr. Tamika Henry. “The body gives signs and signals to rest, but we continue to go, which can negatively impact our health.” Sleep helps you recover from flu faster.