Cold and flu season is approaching, when hospitals and doctor’s offices are crowded. Doctors are not immune either, but they know better than anyone how to protect themselves.
Even doctors are not immune to viruses, but they know better to protect themselves. Photo by Shutterstock
Flu season begins in October and often peaks between December and January, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to the flu, there are several other respiratory viruses circulating, such as rhinovirus and RSV, which can cause cold-like symptoms. And of course, COVID remains a threat.
Doctors are not immune at this time of year, but they know better than anyone how to protect themselves, he writes HuffPost. Here’s what doctors say you can’t do to stay healthy:
They don’t run away from the flu and catch it in time
Spreading or delaying the flu can put you at risk of becoming very ill from flu-related complications, explained Dr. Marie-Louise Landry, professor of laboratory medicine at Yale School of Medicine.
“I have had the flu several times in the past and have been very sick each timeshe said. “Since I caught the annual flu, I’ve only had one outbreak, and it’s been relatively mild and short.“
It is recommended that everyone 6 months of age and older get the flu shot every season, with a few rare exceptions. You will want to make sure you get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available in your community so that your body has time to develop immunity to the virus.
They don’t go to work or school if they are sick
“I would definitely avoid going to work if I’m sick with the flu or the flu. We all have a responsibility to each other and when we go to work when we are sick, we put others around us at risk,” said Dr. Richard A. Martinello, professor of infectious diseases and pediatrics at the Yale School of Medicine.
Since colds and flu are spread from an infected person through droplets that reach surfaces, it is best to stay home if you are sick to reduce the risk of transmission. Even if you don’t have symptoms but have tested positive for the flu, you can still spread the virus to others, according to the CDC.
They don’t go out without a mask when they are sick
In some cases, you may need to go out in public while you are sick. Dr. John Swartzberg, clinical professor emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health, said he never leaves his house without a good mask, such as an N95 or KN95 mask.
“Anyone with a respiratory illness should wear a mask when in public places or outdoors if around other people“, said Swartzberg. This greatly reduces the risk of airborne droplets when you cough or sneeze when you are sick.
I don’t stop washing my hands
Using poor hand washing hygiene can be a risk factor for catching the flu or cold. According to doctors Martinello and Swartzberg, you should make sure you keep your hands clean by washing your hands often.
“When our hands become contaminated after touching surfaces where the virus may be present, touching our eyes or nose with those contaminated fingers can expose us and make us sick. “explained Martinello.
If you’re on the go and don’t have access to soap and water, you can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a temporary sanitizer.
They do not reduce sleep time
It’s important to get enough rest while you’re sick, said Dr. Tamika Henry, a family physician at the Health Without Borders Institute.
“A lot of times, we try to move on and continue our work and our daily activities regardless of how we feel physically.”she said. “The body gives signs and symptoms that it needs rest, but we continue to go about our business as if we have nothing, which has a negative effect on our health.“
The good news is that sleep can help you recover faster from a cold or flu, as symptoms can last up to two weeks.
“Not getting enough sleep is associated with increased inflammation and a decreased immune response, which can prolong the time it takes to recover from an illness.“, said Matthew Weaver, an instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Make sure you prioritize healthy habitsyou will have the best chance of staying disease free during the most difficult season of the year.
2024-10-11 14:20:00
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