As the Christmas season ended, and the New year already started, cold weather continue to spread in the various region in our country. Many of us are feeling the after-effect of this season, resulting in some sickness such as flu. People can have the flu at any time, but it is more common during the flu season. The timing and duration of the flu season change from year to year, but it usually happens between December and February, although significant activity can last as late as May.
One of the most common flu that can affect us is Influenza which is mostly referred to as “flu”.There are many different types of influenza viruses, some of which are responsible for epidemics of the disease every year, while other viruses cause little or no disease. The specific flu virus that causes an outbreak of influenza in a given year is called the pandemic strain. The specific mode of transmission is unknown but is believed to occur through the air, in liquid, or on surfaces. People with the flu often cough and sneeze, which can transmit influenza to others.
It is a contagious viral infection caused primarily by the influenza virus A or B. It affects mainly our upper respiratory organs such as the nose, throat, bronchi, and infrequently even lungs, but other organs such as the heart, brain, and muscles can be involved. It occurs worldwide and causes considerable incidence and death rate with the pandemic, epidemic, or seasonal patterns.
You can catch the flu by contacting a surface or object that carries the virus and then touching your lips, eyes, or nose. You may spread the flu before you even realize you're sick, starting one day before symptoms appear and lasting up to seven days after you've been ill. Some people, particularly small infants and those with compromised immune systems, may be able to infect others for even longer periods of time.
What are the Symptoms of Influenza?
Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold as this is usually coming on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some symptoms like; fever or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, eye pain, chills, and sweats, while some people may have experience vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. It is always important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. Children and adults at high risk may develop complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma flare-ups, heart problems, ear infections, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Habits to Help Protect Against Flu
The single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to improve our daily habits. The tips below will help you learn about the actions you can take to protect yourself and others from flu and help stop the spread of viruses;
Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Move away from people before coughing or sneezing. Make sure to avoid close contact with people who feel sick, such as hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with them. Always wear your mask and keep sanitizer or handkerchief around you.
Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others. If you are alone and living in a condo in the Philippines, staying at home is much better as you will feel more at ease and relax with your own space in dealing with your workloads without worrying about spreading any virus.
Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk and even place which is not well disinfected or sanitized.When you are living in apartments, or ready for occupancy condo, chose a condo design that will suit a well-ventilated ambiance or environment for your wellness.
Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
Viruses are spread mostly through our hands. The flu virus is spread by saliva, sneezes, coughs, and runny noses in small droplets. If you've been in a public location, or if you've blown your nose, coughed, sneezed, or used the restroom, wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you don't have access to soap and water, use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol.
Take care of yourself.
If you want your immune system to be in good enough shape to fight off the flu and other viruses, you need to stay healthy. Make sure to eat healthy foods or do a balanced diet. In terms of where you are staying, whether it is home, condominium or apartment make sure to have enough space or room to use in exercising and maintaining your fitness. Especially in condo living, choose a condo design that has enough space to breathe, move and do physical activities. This will enable greater flexibility and adaptability in doing activities or making room for your exercise equipment.
Improve your space.
Taking care of your health is important but improving the place where you are living will help you much better to stay out of viruses or flu. If you are living in a condo in the Philippines or apartments, your space will be much more lively and enthusiastic by placing humidifiers, indoor plants. It can improve your mental and physical well-being in ways you probably didn’t even realize. Ever wonder why you feel like you can breathe easier, focus better? Because indoor plants and humidifiers could improve concentration and productivity, they can also reduce stress levels, fatigue and boost your mood.
Get Vaccinated.
Getting vaccinated is the greatest method to avoid getting the flu. The influenza vaccine, commonly known as the flu shot, is an injection that causes the body's immune system to react in order to help it perform better. It protects you from the influenza virus by encouraging your immune system to develop antibodies against the virus's proteins. The greatest approach to avoid being sick is to prevent it. While immunizations can help you avoid becoming sick, the best method to avoid being sick in the first place is to avoid getting sick.
In this season where flu could easily affect us, where other types of viruses are spreading widely, we must learn to improve our daily habits by improving the way we take care of ourselves. Being healthy and safe is our own responsibility. There is no time such as later if our wellness and condition are always on the line, always remember that improving your habits will also contribute to many people's safety.
If you are thinking of moving into a new condominium, check out Vista Residences!
Vista Residences is the condominium arm of the country’s largest homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. that offers ready for occupancy and pre-selling condominium projects in Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Ortigas, Baguio, Cebu, and CDO that are strategically located within major cities, in close proximity to premium universities, transit-oriented locations, and developed business districts.
For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
