By Zain Ahmad

It’s October, and with the fall season starting to ramp up, so is the flu season. Protecting yourself from the flu can help you stay healthy throughout the next few months of increasing flu cases. So, from the Red Cross, here are some tips to help you stay safe from the flu.

The flu, short for influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. In the United States 5% to 15% of the population can be affected by it. There are two types of flu viruses: influenza A and influenza B. Both can result in serious complications like dehydration and pneumonia, particularly in those who are considered high risk. These are individuals older than 65 years, very young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and those who have weak immune systems.

The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine. Flu vaccines minimize the chance of getting a flu infection. Receiving a flu vaccine can also result in less trips to the doctor, a more mild flu if you do catch one, and prevents hospitalizations and deaths. So, it is important that you get vaccinated with the flu every year to protect yourself and stay safe. 

Note that many people wonder if you can still donate blood if you have received this shot, and the answer is yes, you are able to donate blood. The Red Cross will assist you if needed in that process and answer any questions.

Staying safe from the flu also includes knowing how it spreads. Researchers mainly think that this virus spreads by droplets, and those droplets are created when people cough, sneeze or talk within a range of about 6 feet. The virus can also spread when an infected surface is touched by someone and then that person touches a part of their body such as the mouth or eyes. Hence frequent hand washing, avoiding touching your mouth, eyes and nose and staying away from sick individuals will help prevent getting flu. 

When someone has the flu, symptoms are detected around 2 days after the flu has entered the person’s body. The first 3-4 days of having the virus is when the infected are contagious. However, anyone with a weak immune system can be contagious for up to a week. 

So, what are those symptoms? The main ones include fever, sore throat or stuffy nose, cough, body aches and headaches. If you are sick, you should stay home at least for 24 hours after your fever is gone to prevent spreading to others. Also rest and drink plenty of fluids for faster recovery. But in case you feel worse, then please contact your medical provider.

With these tips and information, make sure to stay healthy and safe this fall and winter seasons when you go outdoors and meet with people. From the Red Cross, stay safe!