Ah-choo! Security Alarm for Cold and Flu Season
October 07, 2011
It’s that time of the year again and the cold and flu season is quickly approaching. Did you know, on average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for the flu each year? (CDC) There are simple and easy ways you can protect you and your family from getting the bug.
Preventive Tips
- Get a flu vaccine: Everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated. While there are many different types of flu, the vaccine will prevent the most common types.
- Wash your hands: Using soap and water wash your hands often. If they are not available use anti-bacterial that is alcohol-based.
- Avoid contact with those who are sick: Germs spread easily through the air and contact. You can catch the flu simply by talking to someone who is sick.
- Routinely clean: Disinfect frequently touched items like keyboards, phones, door handles, etc. to keep germs away.
- Practice good health habits: Getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly and eating nutritious food can also prevent you from getting sick. When you’re body is healthy your immune system is stronger.
If you believe you are sick it’s important to stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. Common symptoms include: fever, cough, sore-throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Should you feel that you have a flu-like illness antiviral drugs can shorten the time of your illness and help you feel better. People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older. (CDC)
One of the easiest tips from the Center for Disease Control is to practice good health habits. While the best tip to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated each year, good health habits can help stop germs. It’s important to take care of yourself and teach your family to do the same. A full 8 hours of sleep each night and regular exercise are great habits to practice. Also, eating the right foods and drinking plenty of fluids will help you body fight the most common illnesses.
Many families have told us they love that their LifeShield home security system gives them weather alerts for the day. It helps them dress properly and know what to expect from Mother Nature. Being prepared for poor weather is one more way you can prevent yourself and your family from getting sick this season. Imagine being caught in the rain with no jacket or umbrella in 50 degree weather. To us, that spells disaster.
