It’s that time of year again where the flu begins to ramp up, and we are all trying to dodge the germs that are out and about.
For me, I have been lucky enough not to have contracted the flu in a few years, not that I want to, just luck!
But this past week, I did come down with what presented as a cold, and from the start of feeling unwell, I stayed home, made sure I had plenty of fluids and rest!
“For the 2019-2020 season, manufacturers have projected they will provide as many as 162 million to 169 million doses of flu vaccine, which is similar to projected supply for last season. Flu vaccine supply updates will be provided as they become available at Seasonal Influenza Vaccine and Total Doses Distributed,” as stated by the CDC.
What is worrying to me, in particular, is that before we had even heard of the coronavirus, which began in China, there had been multiple reports of this seasons’ strains of the flu and how some were finding it challenging to combat.
So what can we really do about foregoing the sickness that is inevitably a returning pain in the side each year?
At the start of every “flu season,” children and the elderly are encouraged to get the flu vaccine, also those who work closely with those two demographics, or with people who suffer from illnesses that can have a significant effect on their immune system.
You see, just in this instance, you could very well be a carrier and not feel any symptoms, but you could easily pass along the germs and the flu to someone you love unintentionally.
As I mentioned, earlier this season reports saying that this could be one of the worst seasons yet. It is a little worrisome. However, I do believe that each person can make a massive difference in the spread of the flu virus by just looking after themselves correctly.
So what can you do? Well, to begin, we shouldn’t push it. That’s right. We need to stay home and rest. Our body is telling us that we are maxed out, and it’s not just the risk of spreading germs; we won’t perform at our best either.
Getting that healthy diet is a must as well. Our bodies rely on vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables, so if you don’t already take a multivitamin, it wouldn’t be a bad conversation to have with your doctor the next time you visit.
Another thing I was ensuring that I got done was to clean my house as best as I could when I could. It may sound silly but, if you can give everything a good clean, you will be getting rid of the virus as best you can, and stopping it from popping back up.
From washing down countertops to washing bed sheets with a little Lysol, washing what you can be the best way to rid the house of the virus and the possible spread of germs to linger. And although the weather isn’t optimal with that cold breeze and sometimes wet outlook, fresh air is always best.
No matter if it is a common cold or the flu, I firmly believe that we have a responsibility to our community to keep everyone safe, healthy, and happy, and the best way to do that is to look after yourself first and foremost.
And don’t forget a bottle of purell in the school bag, truck or handbag can always come in hand year round.
So here’s to a safe and healthy 2020 as we begin to head out of winter and into spring.
Erin Jusseaume
Editor
