With how common the flu is every winter, it can be easy to pass it off as a relatively minor disease. However, every year people are hospitalized with the flu and some even die. Those most at risk are older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with a variety of other chronic medical conditions. Currently, we are at the height of the flu season which typically takes place in February. We each need to be extra careful with our health and with the health of our loved ones.
As a news agency recently reported, fifteen people have already died from the disease this winter in Georgia alone and the outbreak isn’t over yet. Last
year, one of the worst flu seasons in recent history, 154 people in Georgia died due to flu-related issues. Not a virus to take lightly, it’s important to protect ourselves and our loved ones from catching the virus. Some of the best precautions we can take include:
Obtaining the flu vaccine every year from a local health provider:
Getting everyone in your family vaccinated against the flu is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Available every year, it includes the common strains and while it is not full proof, if a vaccinated person does contract the flu, it will be of shorter duration and less severity.
- Washing hands: We use our hands so often to touch other people and objects then touch our face. That’s one of the most common ways to come into contact with the virus. It’s important then to regularly and thoroughly wash our hands. To do this, run your hands under hot water and rub vigorously with soap for at least 20 seconds before rinsing and drying them off with a clean towel.
- Keeping surfaces clean and disinfected: Using a strong disinfectant, continually wipe down surfaces in your home, school, or business according to the directions on the bottle in order to keep the virus from spreading.
- Staying home if you aren’t feeling well : If you aren’t feeling well and think you are coming down with the flu, consult your doctor and stay home so you don’t spread the virus.
- If necessary, call in professional cleaners to disinfect your home, business, or school: Sometimes the virus is so prevalent in a location such as a school or business that professional cleaners need to be called in to thoroughly clean, disinfect, and sanitize the entire area so the virus isn’t spread any further.
Flu Symptoms
The flu typically comes on all at once. You can feel fine in the evening then wake up feeling terrible. The symptoms of the flu include:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever or feeling feverish/ chills
- Muscle or body aches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Tiredness
- Headaches
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)
If you have come down with the flu, consult with your doctor for treatment. Especially if symptoms worsen or if you have another chronic health condition.
As we continue through the winter, take care of yourself and your loved ones by eating well, getting lots of rest, and taking care of yourself if you become sick.
https://georgiaclean.com/about-us/Flu Disinfection
If you need help disinfecting your home, school, or business, or have any questions, we at Georgia Clean are always here to help.
