Take precautionary measures to avoid illnesses during flu season

TDT | Manama                           

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com   

Staff Reporter

As seasons change and the cold weather sets in, illnesses and viruses will spread, so it is essential to follow precautionary measures to prevent the spread of infections. According to the Ministry of Health’s website, the flu is a common infectious viral illness that can be spread through coughing and sneezing.

One can catch the flu at any time of the year. However, it is mostly common in winter, which is why it is known as “seasonal flu”. The ministry explains some of the symptoms one could be experiencing which can include a high temperature, tiredness and weakness, headaches, general aches and pains, or a dry, chesty cough.

It has multiple preventions listed to keep an individual healthy and safe during the flu season. Some of these include washing hands regularly with soap and warm water, regularly cleaning surfaces such as computer keyboard, telephone, and door handles to get rid of germs, using tissues to cover mouth and nose when one coughs or sneezes, and putting used tissues in the bin as soon as possible.

Other factors are listed such as avoiding unnecessary contact with other people while oner is infected, as well as wearing a facemask to cover the nose and mouth. The ministry reports that the flu virus is contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes around.

When someone coughs or sneezes, these droplets can typically spread by one metre. Additionally, these droplets can linger in the air for a while before landing on surfaces, whilst the virus is able to survive for up to 24 hours, and anyone who is breathing in these droplets can easily catch the flu or virus.

It is essential to keep surfaces clean, as if droplets land on surfaces, they can easily be transferred to someone’s hand and then touch their nose or mouth. Lastly, it is important to keep warm during these low temperatures.

There are a couple ways one can do to keep the body warm. Layering up or wearing lots of layers rather than one piece of thick clothing can help to trap body heat and keep it warmer. Thermal clothing and hot water bottles are inexpensive ways to help keep body warm for a longer time.