Five tips to stay healthy through flu season from Greenwich Hospital’s
Gavin McLeod, MD
As the seasons change and people start spending more time indoors, the likelihood of becoming sick increases. According to the CDC, one of the most common seasonal illnesses in the fall is the flu. It typically starts showing in October and peaks between December and the middle of winter. To better prepare the community for the upcoming flu season, Greenwich Hospital infectious disease physician Gavin McLeod, MD, provides tips to keep people and their loved ones safe from the virus.
- Get the flu vaccine.
“The ideal time to get the vaccine is in October before winter starts,” said Dr. McLeod. “You can still get the flu, but the symptoms tend to be milder if you’ve been vaccinated.” The CDC recommends that most people get a flu vaccine by the end of October, but vaccination should continue throughout flu season, which can last from October through May. Vaccines are available in most physicians’ offices and pharmacies.
- Wear a mask, especially around sick people or in a healthcare setting.
In medical settings, the CDC recommends that healthcare professionals wear a face mask when helping patients with flu-like symptoms. People who are not ill and choose to wear a mask can get the best protection by wearing a mask every time they are in public and at home when around others.
- Wash your hands and direct your coughs and sneezes.
Good hand-washing with soap and water can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, according to the CDC. It can also help reduce the amount of antibiotics people use, which can help fight antibiotic resistance. “If you’re going to sneeze or cough, do it into your elbow and have tissues handy,” said Dr. McLeod.
- If you feel symptoms, get tested.
“This is important, especially if you’re high risk,” explained Dr. McLeod. “That includes the immunocompromised, people over 65, people with underlying lung disease and pregnant women. Those are groups that should definitely get the flu vaccine, but if they are unable to, or if they get the flu anyway, there is medicine available. Consult your doctor. The sooner you take it, the better.” If someone in the household who is high risk is exposed, there is preventive medicine available as well. “It’s always good to have a medication in the house to help stop the spread.”
- Implement healthy lifestyle habits.
“There are studies showing that people who exercise and get a good night’s sleep have better immune systems,” said Dr. McLeod. “There was study a done where medical students were kept awake all night and exposed to a virus in a closed room. They were compared to a group that was exposed to the same virus but had a good night’s sleep. The group that was up all night was more likely to come down with the virus.” Good nutrition is also key, noted Dr. McLeod, in addition to sleep and exercise.
