While you can get the flu at any time of year, fall and winter are the peak seasons for the virus. The illness is contagious and can lead to problematic complications if severe. Fortunately, you can take steps to protect yourself and others during this time. Here's what most doctors agree will help you avoid contracting the flu.

How to Protect Yourself From the Flu

1. Get the Flu Shot

Visiting a doctor to get vaccinated is the easiest and best way to minimize your risk of getting the flu. New influenza virus strains are constantly emerging and evolving, so the shot is updated yearly to ensure the best protection against the illness. That means you need one every year—ideally in the mid to late fall. The flu vaccine is safe and effective for individuals 6 months and older, and seniors 65 and over can receive a high-dose version to bolster their immune defenses.

2. Rest for the Proper Amount of Time

Sleep strengthens and recharges the immune system, and you need a healthy immune response to fend off the flu. The average adult should get at least seven or eight hours of slumber each night to maintain the body's natural defenses.

If you have problems falling or staying asleep, consult a doctor. They can recommend various solutions to ensure better rest, including meditation and relaxation exercises, supplements like melatonin, or medications for serious sleep issues.

3. Wash Your Hands Often

The flu spreads through respiratory droplets in the air and on surfaces. No matter what industry you work in or what environments you regularly encounter, regular handwashing dramatically reduces the chances of getting sick. The act helps remove the virus from your hands, so when you touch your nose, mouth, or eyes—which most people do unconsciously—there is less risk of infection. 

To ensure clean hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Do this multiple times throughout the day, especially before eating and after touching high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs.

Follow these pointers to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy this flu season. When you need a flu shot or any other medical care, the doctors at Walton Family Medicine are here to help. Serving residents throughout Monroe, GA, they specialize in various practice areas, including family medicine, pediatrics, cardiology, and gynecology. Urgent care is also available. Call (770) 267-7093 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to browse their services.