Fight the Flu with These 3 Steps

It’s time to fight the flu! No one likes to be sick, especially with the influenza virus (the flu). This disease can cause genuine concern, especially during the flu season (October through March). February is commonly the “high point” of the flu season, but you can get the flu at any time of the year. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions fall ill each year in the U.S., hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and tens of thousands die from the flu. While the flu spreads easily—especially during flu season—there are steps you can take to prevent it and reduce its impact.

How Flu Spreads

The flu primarily spreads through droplets when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can be inhaled through the mouths or noses of people nearby. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face.

A person infected with the flu can spread the virus up to a day before symptoms appear and five to seven days after they start. Children may pass the virus for longer. People are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins.

Flu Symptoms

Common flu symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and diarrhea (in some cases)

Some may have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

Fight the Flu with these 3 Tips

Get a Flu Vaccine

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated. Before flu season, people six months old and older should get a flu vaccine every year. Flu season runs from October to March, peaking in February.

The vaccine protects against the most common virus strains, including H3N2, Influenza, and H1N1. Vaccination is crucial for high-risk groups like young children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with chronic health issues.

It’s also important for healthcare workers and those who care for high-risk individuals, including infants too young to be vaccinated.

Prevent the Spread of Germs

• Stay away from people who have the flu. If you’re sick, try not to be around others.
• Once fever-free for a full day without medication, you may resume normal activities. Until then, remain at home to prevent spreading illness.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue then dispose of it immediately.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that may harbor germs.
• Avoid touching your face to prevent spreading or contracting the flu.

Take Flu Antiviral Drugs (If Prescribed by Your Doctor)

If your doctor prescribes them, antiviral drugs can help treat the flu, especially if the are started within the first 48 hours of getting sick.

These medications can make symptoms milder, shorten the duration of illness, and prevent serious complications, especially in high-risk individuals.

Antiviral drugs are most effective when taken within two days of getting sick but can still help if started later.

For Virus and Pathogen Removal, Contact Your local PuroClean

Keeping environments clean is essential to further reducing the spread of the flu and other contagious diseases.  In some situations, properties must be cleaned to reduce the chance of spreading flu or other infectious diseases.

If your home, office or facility has been exposed to infectious materials, contact your local PuroClean professionals for virus decontamination.

Our highly trained team can remediate pathogens using our RapidDefense™ Program. This system, which uses EPA-registered products, offers up to three months of protection against pathogens like the flu. 

To ensure your space remains safe and sanitized, call PuroClean Emergency Services. In Dayton, call 937-401-9700. In Cincinnati, call 513-897-8990.

For more information on flu prevention, symptoms and treatments visit the CDC’s website.