While the influenza virus is always present throughout the year, fall and winter are peak flu season. During these months, the weather is cooler and people tend to spend more time inside. The virus lives longer indoors, thereby increasing transmission. To protect your family from the flu and reduce the chances you'll need to visit a doctor this season, follow these tips for staying healthy.

A Guide to Flu Prevention

1. Wash Your Hands

The flu virus spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets, either in the air or once they land on objects. One way to minimize transmission is to wash your hands regularly. Scrub them with soap and water for 20 seconds, or however long it takes for you to sing “Happy Birthday” to yourself. 

Wash your hands frequently throughout the day and after you come back from going into public. When you can't get to a sink, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

Research suggests that staying hydrated may bolster an immune response that is better able to fight viruses. Sip water throughout the day to maintain proper hydration. Women should drink at least 11 1/2 cups of water per day and men should drink 15 1/2 cups per day.

If you exercise daily or keep your home climate set to warmer temperatures during the winter, drink even more water to replenish lost fluids.

3. Keep a Clean Home

Because object-to-person transmission can transmit the flu, be sure to clean and disinfect your home on a regular schedule throughout flu season. Use a disinfectant spray or a bleach-water solution containing one capful of bleach for every gallon of water.

In addition to countertops, tables, sinks, and other surfaces, be sure to clean frequently-touched items like light switches, doorknobs and locks, faucet and appliance handles, and kitchen knobs or pulls.

You can stay healthy by visiting your doctor for a wellness exam or if you’re experiencing any flu symptoms. Walton Family Medicine serves patients throughout the Monroe, GA, area. Their staff includes family doctors, pediatricians, cardiologists, and gynecologists. Whether you need preventive care or urgent treatment, they are here to provide solutions that benefit your well-being. Call (770) 267-7093, or visit them online to schedule an appointment.