There’s a lot to love about winter, from throwing on your favourite knitted jumper, to cosy afternoons at home and hearty, nourishing comfort food. But the prospect of coming down with the flu is not one of them.
With the kids back at school and the return to office life in full swing, it only takes one member of the family to be struck down with flu to take the whole family out of action.
This year’s flu season is also arriving amid the COVID-19 pandemic, so extra diligence is needed when it comes to keeping the whole family healthy.
These simple steps go a long way in helping prevent the spread of the flu in your household this winter.
Disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly
It’s safe to say we’ve never churned through as much disinfectant as we have over the past year. But like COVID-19, the flu virus can survive for hours, even days, on some surfaces, so regularly disinfect and wipe high-touch surfaces in your home, such as doorknobs, light switches and countertops.
Get your flu shot
Anyone over the age of six months can get the flu shot, and having the whole family vaccinated is the most effective form of protection from the flu. With the upcoming rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination, it’s best to get your flu shot as early as possible.
You can visit a general practitioner or visit an Amcal pharmacy and receive the flu shot from one of their expertly trained pharmacists. They’ll both administer the vaccination and answer any and all of your cold and flu questions in a private consultation space – which is always nice for any members of the family who might be a little injection-shy.
Boost your immunity
Eating a balanced diet packed full of fresh, immune-boosting foods will help keep you and your family feeling strong and healthy, which is part of any good flu-fighting toolkit.
Drinking plenty of water and getting a good night’s sleep will also contribute to a strengthened immune system – so monitor your energy levels and those of the family to keep in check.
Cough and sneeze into your elbow
Covering your cough and sneezing into your elbow is now standard practice thanks to COVID-19, and it’s always better to avoid using your hands, where germs and bacteria love to live. Doing this will help prevent those germs making contact with your face – and help to stop the spread of any flu virus you may have to others.
Regularly wash and sanitise hands
While we’ve probably just about scrubbed and washed our hands to the bone since COVID-19, this is a vital regular practice to do throughout the day to help keep your family safe.
Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds as often as possible, and that’ll do the trick. When you’re on the go with the kids, keep some hand sanitiser in your handbag.
Keep cold and flu remedies handy
If you do come down with flu, keep some remedies in the house to help alleviate symptoms and reduce duration and severity. There are a range of effective remedies to help combat symptoms available from Amcal, such as cold and flu relief tablets, antibacterial lozenges and vitamin C to support immunity. When in doubt, it’s always best to ask your Amcal pharmacist for advice.
Stay home
Last but not least, stay home to help stop the spread, and keep your distance from your loved ones while they’re unwell as much as possible!
Brought to you by Amcal.
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