Updated on: 03 March, 2025 06:38 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Seasonal flu can be a real disruption to daily life, bringing with it unpleasant symptoms and the potential for complications. Fortunately, there are several effective measures you can take to protect yourself and those around you. Here are 5 key tips to help you stay safe during flu season:
1. Get Vaccinated
The flu vaccine is the most effective way to reduce your risk of getting the flu. It helps your body develop antibodies that protect against the most common flu viruses. It's especially important for high-risk groups like older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions.
2. Practice Good Hand Hygiene
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This helps to eliminate flu viruses that you may have picked up from contaminated surfaces.
3. Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes
Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow. This helps to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets that can contain the flu virus.
4. Avoid Close Contact with Sick People
Try to stay away from people who are showing flu-like symptoms. If you are sick, stay home from work, school, or other public places to avoid spreading the virus to others.
