How to Beat the Flu

Written by Erin Lawinger. Media by Emily Martiens.[divide]

Someone’s nose is running and they better go catch it before they catch the flu. Flu season is back, and it has vocalized itself through a choir of coughing, wheezing, and a whole lot of sneezing. Fortunately, there are a couple of ways to prevent this illness from cutting into the delights of daily life.

For many students on the Greenville College campus, many are being struck with the flu’s draining symptoms. Some of these would include congestion, runny nose, headaches, body aches, chills, and a fever. Because of this, here are some simple tips that could help prevent these from occurring.

 

First and foremost, keep your hands clean. Your hands touch a lot throughout the day including many germs. So keeping your hands clean is a simple way to prevent spreading unnecessary bacteria. All it takes is putting two hands together rubbing them back and forth for about 20 seconds under warm soapy water.

Here is a link to show you the proper way to wash your hands: http://www.who.int/gpsc/clean_hands_protection/en/

Some other ways to prevent this virus would be to get vaccinated, disinfect surfaces and objects, and avoid contact with the eyes, nose, and mouth. Getting the influenza vaccination is safe and effective, and should be done annually since the virus and vaccine change each year. It’s easier to stop the spread of germs through disinfecting surfaces and objects along with limiting contact with the nose, eyes, and mouth. The flu spreads easily from person to person, so taking these steps will aid in the making of a healthy environment.

Find more information about vaccination at http://www.flu.gov/prevention-vaccination/vaccination/index.html

Photo Source: Google
Photo Source: Google

If an individual were to find themselves in the unfortunate event of catching the flu, there are some tips to a quick recovery. The first is the most difficult task for any college student. You need to get some sleep and just rest. There are lots of commitments, classes, and activities to partake in, but it is okay to say no. Instead of going on a late night McDonalds run after finishing a pile of homework, go to sleep. The body needs time to heal which is difficult to do if a person is on a never ending schedule. Second, a person should stay hydrated. Carrying a water bottle throughout the day is an easy way to fulfill this tip. Last but not least, take some medicine. Antihistamines and decongestants tend to work best against flu symptoms.

So during this season of snotty sleeves, itchy eyes, and half-brain headaches, use these simple tips to avoid catching this time of the year’s most common sickness. When steps like these are taken, flu prevention is close at hand.

Find more about flu prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm and http://www.flu.gov/prevention-vaccination/prevention/index.html

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