Bridge to Wellness: Cold and flu season is coming. Use proactive tips for reducing risk.

by Jennifer Matthews, RN

October typically marks the beginning of cold and flu season. As outside temperatures decrease and we begin to spend more time indoors, we tend to be at higher risk for illness. This is a great time to start thinking about illness prevention.

So, what is the flu? Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The virus causes infection to the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause both mild and severe illness, and in serious cases can lead to death. Symptoms of the flu include fever or feeling feverish/chilled, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle/body aches, headache, and fatigue. Occasionally vomiting or diarrhea also occurs, but this is more common in children.

Luckily the flu and viruses like the flu are well studied. Many tips are available for reducing your risk of becoming ill and for preventing the spread of illness to others.

Ideas for reducing risk of getting the flu

• The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the most important action in reducing risk. This is especially important for young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic conditions such as diabetes or lung disease, and people 65 years and older.
• The second most important action in reducing risk is good hand hygiene. Washing hands with soap and water frequently is the best way to reduce the spread of contagious illnesses.
• If you are sick, stay home. Limit contact with others until you are feeling better and are fever free, without medication, for at least 24 hours.
• Avoid close contact with someone who is sick.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces often using antibacterial cleaning products.
• Cover your mouth and nose! Keep a tissue handy and cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you do so, wash your hands after.
• Improve air quality. Bring in fresh outside air when you can. Use air purifiers indoors.
• Take good care of your body. Eat well, sleep well, get daily physical activity, and keep stress to a minimum. This will help you keep your immune system working at its best.

Ideas for dealing with the flu

Unfortunately, even when we take precautions, we sometimes still get sick. Here are some things you can do if you find yourself dealing with the flu or flu-like illness.

• Stay home and avoid contact with others, with the exception of getting medical care.
• Get plenty of rest
• Drink fluids to prevent dehydration
• Apply heat packs to help with aching muscles.
• Take acetaminophen or NSAIDs (ibuprofen) to reduce fever and provide pain relief
• Use over-the-counter cold medications to reduce symptoms. Some effective over-the-counter medications include decongestants, cough suppressants, and expectorants. Important: You should always check with your doctor before taking over-the-counter medication, especially if you take other medications that could counteract.

The community of Stockbridge—and your school nurse—thank you in advance for doing your part to prevent the spread of illness!

Sources:

• clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4335-influenza-flu
• gov/flu/prevent/prevention.htm

Cold and flu season is around the corner. Luckily many tips are available for reducing your risk of becoming ill and for preventing the spread of illness to others. Image credit: Myriam Zilles on Unsplash.com

Jennifer Matthews

This column is sponsored by the Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition. Jennifer Matthews, RN, is a registered nurse who has worked with the Stockbridge School System as a community nurse and is an active volunteer within the Jackson County foster care system. Jen has a passion for helping individuals advocate for their health and learn to navigate the healthcare system.