LVHN Health Tips: Tips To Stay Healthy This Flu Season

Published on November 14, 2023 at 12:46 pm.

In recent years, flu season has been overshadowed by other respiratory illnesses such as Covid-19. However, many doctors believe this flu season could be more serious.

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects influenza activity to increase in the United States in the coming weeks," said Terry Berger, director of infection control and prevention at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN). "Influenza in the Northern Hemisphere is often caused by viruses similar to those circulating in the Southern Hemisphere during the winter flu season."

Get a flu shot

As the flu becomes more common, take the time to get a flu shot. "Flu vaccines save lives," says Berger. “This not only protects you, but also reduces the risk of passing the flu to your loved ones.

The flu can be especially dangerous for the elderly or people with conditions like cancer.

Be careful what you touch

Dr. Francis Braconaro, an internist at LVPG Internal Medicine – Carbon, says keeping your hands clean is important when preventing the flu.

"Frequent and proper hand washing can help remove viruses and other germs from the skin," says Dr. Poacher.

Facial expressions are also a risk of infection. "Remember not to touch your face after touching objects that others have touched," says the doctor. Poacher.

Commonly touched areas include doorknobs, cabinet handles, telephones, faucet handles, microwave and refrigerator handles, remote controls, basket handles, and more.

Also clean the areas to get rid of viruses.

According to the CDC, common cleaning products, including soap, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide, can kill the flu virus on surfaces.

Stop the transfer

If you have the flu, Berger says there are ways to prevent spreading the virus to others.

• Stay at home.

• Bite a tissue or elbow when sneezing or coughing.

• Throw used tissues in the trash.

Symptoms and signs of the flu

It is also important to recognize the symptoms of the flu to distinguish it from other common winter illnesses.

Flu symptoms come on suddenly and include fever, body aches, chills, fatigue, cough and headache.

Some people may experience sneezing, runny nose and sore throat.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu symptoms are milder than flu symptoms. If you visit your doctor and are diagnosed with the flu, you may be treated with antiviral medications.

If your symptoms are severe, you may need emergency room treatment, Berger says.

"Go to the hospital if you have shortness of breath, chronic pain that doesn't go away, or chest pain," she advises.

Getting a flu shot has never been easier

Did you know you can get a flu shot at LVHN ExpressCARE – Palmerton?

They are located at 528 Delaware Avenue in Palmerton and are open 365 days a year. Appointment is not mandatory.

Flu season is upon us, but there are ways to protect yourself. Metrology

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