Keeping Safe This Flu Season
We are entering flu season again after spending the last 18 months cautiously moving our way through a global pandemic. This will not only cause a problem alongside Covid-19, but it may also present its problems due to the restrictions we faced during winter last year. Across the course of 2020 and early 2021, we were all under social distancing restriction; because of this, the flu didn’t take hold as much as it has in previous years; this poses a threat for 2021/22 as we have less of an immune system prepared for the virus attack.
The flu is a virus that can be spread through contact with droplets from coughing and sneezing. It’s essential to practice good hygiene, which includes washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and staying home if you’re sick. Flu season typically starts in October, but it’s not too late to get vaccinated! Find out how you can prepare for hayfever and flu season.
Here at Broadgate GP, we always recommend anyone eligible for the flu vaccine does get the jab. It will protect you from the yearly virus causing your problems. If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact one of our team; we are always more than happy to help in any way we can.
Are You Offered The Flu Vaccine?
If you have been sent a letter from the NHS or your private GP practice suggesting you should make an appointment to get the flu vaccine, our team here at Broadgate GP would recommend you do just that. It is more likely that you have been offered the flu vaccine due to ill health or the risk of catching the flu is higher than other people. By choosing to get the flu vaccine, you give your immune system the best chance at fighting the virus should you come down with it.
Please keep in mind that if you have recently had your Covid-19 vaccine, we recommend speaking to your GP or Nurse Practioner who is carrying out the flu vaccine. This confirms that you are safe to have both; some of the options available for the Covid-19 jab recommend a break between the flu jab. Your body may need a short break in between to work with the antibodies in either vaccine. Make an appointment to speak to someone today about the flu vaccine here.
If You Are Sick; Stay At Home!
We have all learnt the importance of staying at home when you are poorly during 2020, whether it with Covid-19 and needing to isolate or the case of the flu, staying at home whilst you are sick will always help minimise the risk of passing on the virus you have. This helps keep yourself and other people at minimal risk of spreading it or catching a virus.
If you are feeling unwell, especially during the global pandemic, we would always recommend checking with either a lateral flow test or a PCR test that you are negative for Covid-19 before making any appointments with a GP. From there, we recommend staying at home away from others, minimising any risk of transmission.
Regularly Clean & Disinfect Surfaces
One of the best things you can do to minimise your risk of catching the flu and keep safe during flu season is by keeping up a regular cleaning schedule. The Covid-19 rules on social distancing have relaxed; it is still just as necessary to clean and disinfect when you have had people visit your home or in your office at work. Using alcohol-based cleaning products or hand sanitiser helps kill off viruses and bacteria, keeping you safe when used regularly.
If you have visitors in your home during flu season, we would recommend wiping over all the surfaces before they arrive and also once they have left; this keeps everyone safe should someone be infected with the flu and not know it yet. This is also the best practice when you are in your office space, at work or visiting a public place. Since the global pandemic started, carrying hand wipes and hand gel has been an excellent practice; we would recommend continuing this throughout winter.
Do You Practice Healthy Living?
Finally, one of the best ways to keep yourself safe during this year’s flu season is by living a healthy lifestyle. Do you exercise enough? Drink enough water? And get enough sleep? If the answer is not yes to all of these, you aren’t caring for yourself enough to reduce the flu risk. Our body needs the correct fuel sources and rest to fight off any infection or virus we catch; the flu is different.
The best way to protect yourself from the flu through healthy living is to aim for the proper water intake every day and around 8-9 hours of sleep every night, switching off before bed and giving yourself the chance to rest and recuperate needs. Working hard during the winter takes a toll on the body; dark mornings and evenings can also be draining. Carrying out the proper self-care for you will always help keep you safe from viruses such as the flu, as your body will be rested and prepared to fight off anything it needs to.
Contact Broadgate GP For Your Flu Jab
The flu season is here, and we want to help you stay healthy. If someone in your household or your workplace has the flu, everyone else needs to take precautions because a few things can be done to prevent catching it or passing it on. We recommend getting a flu vaccine as soon as possible and washing hands frequently with soap and water throughout the day, especially after using the bathroom.
Broadgate GP recommends staying home if you’re sick so you don’t infect others! Following a handful of simple hygiene basics might help you stay clear of the flu this winter, and it will also help protect other loved ones and families. For flu vaccines, get in touch with one of our team members today; we will get you booked in as soon as possible.
