In spite of the global pandemic being in the forefront of the news, flu season will eventually occur. COVID-19 and the flu have similar traits — they are both contagious, they both attack the respiratory system, and their symptoms are alike. Despite being caused by different viruses, however, they both can be warded off by taking some of the same actions.
Here, we discuss the best way to stay healthy during this flu season!
Projections for the 2020 Flu Season
Although the pandemic has overtaken the immediate health concerns of most people, we are still projected to have a flu season in fall and winter 2020–2021. In light of this, the CDC predicts that the flu and the coronavirus will spread at the same time this fall.
Recommended Vaccines
There are many types of flu viruses and they mutate often. In doing so, they make projecting the specific virus that will impact us this season impossible. As flu viruses circulate each year, the ingredients used to compose flu vaccines are reviewed and updated as needed. The CDC does not recommend any particular flu vaccines versus others, so health care providers can administer flu vaccines of their choice, as long as they are licensed vaccines and age-appropriate.
Flu Vaccine during COVID-19
One challenge with getting the flu vaccine is the concern about how to do it safely, without increasing the risk of exposing people to the coronavirus and other germs. In a coordinated effort between the Centers for Disease Control, health care clinicians and health departments, contingency plans are underway to meet this challenge. It is projected that some offices and workplaces may not make the flu vaccine available because of challenges with social distancing and other safety practices.
Using COVID-19 Prevention Practices to Prevent the Flu
It can be difficult to know the difference between symptoms of the flu and symptoms of COVID-19 because some of them are so similar. This likeness means that the approach to protecting yourself from both viruses is also alike. Here are the strategies you can employ to protect yourself against both.
Wash Your Hands
Living through this time of public health crisis requires that you wash your hands often to prevent catching COVID-19. The same approach is an effective way to avoid catching the flu. The best technique is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water. When you can’t get to a sink, you should use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, hand-sanitizing gels and disinfectant wipes to clean your hands in the meantime.
Disinfect Frequently Touched Surfaces
Just as you avoid high-touch surfaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the same practice is effective to avoid exposure to the flu. Because viruses can last on surfaces for a full day, it’s best to clean door knobs, handrails, refrigerator handles, countertops, keyboards and other highly used surfaces before you touch them. You can use cleaners that contain virus-killing ingredients like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol.
Wear a Mask
Wearing masks has become a way of life during this pandemic, and they are also an effective way to protect yourself from the flu virus. Most people can rely on cloth masks, because they can limit the spread of the virus and just as importantly help prevent the spread of the virus from person to person. To have the best chance of staying protected from any virus, choose a mask like the Boomer Nano-Silver Reusable Face Mask, which leverages powerful antimicrobial Nano-Silver Technology and adheres to all WHO guidelines.
Flu Vaccine during COVID-19
One challenge with getting the flu vaccine is the concern about how to do it safely, without increasing the risk of exposing people to the coronavirus and other germs. In a coordinated effort between the Centers for Disease Control, health care clinicians and health departments, contingency plans are underway to meet this challenge. It is projected that some offices and workplaces may not make the flu vaccine available because of challenges with social distancing and other safety practices.
Staying Protected during the Upcoming Flu Season
To prepare for the upcoming flu season, you can rely on the practices and behaviors that you follow for COVID-19 protection. Despite what the future holds, Boomer Naturals and its protective products can help you take precautions that can decrease your chances of getting the flu.
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/26/well/how-do-i-avoid-catching-cold-or-flu-from-my-sick-partner.html#:~:text=%E2%80%9CMake%20sure%20tissues%20and%20other,Rehm%20said.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-stay-healthy-when-your-family-is-sick-770446
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/stop-spread-cold-flu1#1
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-avoid-the-flu-2018-2
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/living-in-close-quarters.html