This flu season, it is highly likely that the flu virus and the COVID-19 virus will both be spreading. Many of the steps you can take to help prevent the flu are the same steps you would take to prevent yourself or others from contracting the COVID-19 virus. Stauffer is here to provide you with the PPE you need to stay safe, and the knowledge to know who is at risk and how to reduce the spread of the flu virus.
Who is at Risk?
The flu virus can cause debilitating complications, especially given certain health and age factors. People over the age of 65 and those with chronic health conditions are the most at risk for serious complications from the flu virus. Here is a list of those who need to take the highest level of precaution this flu season:
Adults 65 years and older
Children younger than 2 years old
People with asthma
Those with eurologic and neurodevelopment conditions
People with lood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and cystic fibrosis)
Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus)
Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)
Kidney diseases
Liver disorders
Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
People who are obese with a body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher
People younger than 19 years old on long-term aspirin- or salicylate-containing medications.
People with a weakened immune system due to disease (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or some cancers such as leukemia) or medications
Get Yourself Vaccinated
The most reliable way to prevent contraction of the flu virus is the administration of a yearly flu vaccination. The influenza virus can lead to hospitalization and at times death. Millions are infected by the flu virus every year. Flu vaccination has been demonstrated an effective means of reducing the risk of contracting the flu virus, reducing hospitalizations, and reducing the risk of flu-related death. A yearly flu vaccine is necessary because your immunization declines over time and the flu vaccine mutates year to year.
The flu vaccine works by catalyzing the production of antibodies in the body about two weeks after you receive the vaccination. These antibodies protect against potential infection. Last flu season, the CDC estimated that fewer than half of Americans got the flu vaccine while at least 410,000 people were hospitalized from the flu.
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Other than getting your yearly flu vaccination, there are simple steps that anyone can take every day to stop the spread of the influenza virus.
Avoid contact with sick people
Recognize the symptoms of the flu: fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea
If YOU are sick, avoid contact with others whenever possible. Stay home from work or school or wherever you may come into contact with uninfected people.
Practice good cough etiquette!
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw any contaminated tissue away.
Practice diligent, frequent hand washing. If not possible, utilize alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Wear a mask when sick or in public and avoid touching any part of your face.
Practice and maintain cleaning and disinfection of any commonly touched surfaces or objects. Learn how to develop your cleaning and disinfection plan with Stauffer.
