The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory disease that affects the nose, throat and lungs. It is caused by the influenza virus and can lead to mild to severe illness. The most common symptoms of flu infection include a runny nose, sore throat, body aches, fever and chills. Although flu can occur throughout the year, the periods from April to July and November to January¹ are when it is most widespread in Singapore, clashing with peak travel seasons and coinciding with flu season in the Southern and Northern Hemisphere. The flu is different from the common cold in that it often presents with more intense symptoms and comes on more abruptly.
This article provides 10 recommendations for individuals to protect themselves and their families from the risk of flu and its complications.
1. Avoid Close Contact with Sick Individuals
The sniffles and coughs are classic signs of flu. Limit your exposure to people who are showing flu-like symptoms and avoid close contact with them as much as possible. Keeping your physical distance makes you less likely to contract the virus, as it is carried by minuscule droplets when people sneeze, cough or talk. According to WebMD, flu germs can spread up to 3 feet away².
2. Stay Home If You’re Unwell
Doing your part in the fight against flu includes taking measures to prevent it from spreading to others. If you suspect you are ill with the flu, see a doctor and stay home. This act of social responsibility will minimise virus transmission and ensure you do not pose a risk to others, especially those with existing medical conditions and the elderly. You can resume your daily activities, like work and school, once you’re healthy again.
3. Cover Coughs and Sneezes
Whether at home or out in public, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing is imperative to containing the spread. Make sure that you dispose of the tissue properly after use. If tissues aren’t readily available, sneeze or cough into your elbow to prevent the droplets from being airborne and potentially infecting others.
4. Practise Good Personal Hygiene
Using a clean tissue for coughing and sneezing makes up part of good personal hygiene which can curb influenza transmission. But for added protection, consider wrapping it up with another piece of tissue before disposal³. Other helpful practices include regularly washing your hands with soap/detergents for at least 20 seconds, keeping your nails short and clean, and using a hand sanitizer when hand washing is inconvenient.
5. Break the Habit of Touching Your Face
We don’t notice it, but research shows that we touch our face up to 23 times an hour⁴. This is a habit worth overcoming, as our hands come into contact with a multitude of potential pathogens we pick up from various surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, handrails, countertops and elevator buttons. Flu germs can linger on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours⁵. You can get infected with the flu by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face, like your eyes, nose or mouth.
6. Keep Clear of Crowded Places
The flu can be caught year-round, but being in crowded places such as on public transport and in shopping malls during peak flu season can instantly elevate your chances of getting it. These social settings facilitate rapid transmission because influenza is highly contagious, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
7. Seek Fresh Air Indoors and Outdoors
That said, when indoors, fresh air can help to improve air quality and reduce the spread of this respiratory infection. At home, ventilate the space by opening doors and windows to bring in natural air. Air purifiers can also help to filter out some harmful particles, thereby limiting your exposure to viruses circulating indoors. Seek open-air settings like parks and natural areas for cleaner air.
8. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
High-touch surfaces refer to the areas that come into frequent contact with people and can serve as reservoirs for germs. Even at home, these surfaces can be hotspots for dangerous microbes through individuals who bring them in from outside. In the household, germs can spread from one person to another, especially in common areas like kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms. Disinfect these surfaces and items — such as the remote control, tap and fridge handle — to prevent flu from spreading.
9. Boost Your Immune System
Our immune system is our primary defence against bacteria and viruses trying to enter and wreak havoc on our body. Thankfully, there are several ways to strengthen it, reducing your likelihood of falling ill from the flu. Getting enough rest, staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet are essential for a healthy immune system. Additionally, exercising regularly and managing stress can also provide significant benefits.
10. Get Vaccinated Against the Flu
While antiviral medications can treat the flu, the most effective way to prevent influenza is through the annual flu vaccination. This measure is particularly important for pregnant women and it is strongly recommended by the Ministry of Health in Singapore⁶, this can be given at any stage of pregnancy best during the 2nd trimester. These shots help the body develop antibodies and train the immune system to combat the infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises everyone aged 6 months and older to receive the flu vaccine each year⁷.
For more information on influenza, visit our page here. Talk to our specialists at ID Specialists with an appointment.
References
- Start Your Year-End Vacation With a Flu Jab. Healthhub.sg. https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/start-your-year-end-vacation-with-a-flu-jab. Accessed September 26, 2024.
- How Long Is the Flu Contagious? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/how-long-flu-contagious. Accessed September 26, 2024.
- Iau J. Coronavirus: 5 good personal hygiene practices to keep the virus at bay. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/coronavirus-5-good-personal-hygiene-practices-to-keep-the-virus-at-bay. Accessed September 26, 2024.
- Chamary JV. You’ll Be Surprised How Often You Actually Touch Your Face. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jvchamary/2020/07/30/coronavirus-face-touching/. Accessed September 26, 2024.
- Brabaw K. This Is How Long Cold and Flu Germs Can Live on Surfaces Like Doorknobs and Subway Poles. Health.com. https://www.health.com/condition/flu/flu-virus-live-on-surfaces. Accessed September 26, 2024.
- Vaccination in pregnancy. Singhealth.com.sg. https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/medical-news/vaccination-in-pregnancy. Accessed September 26, 2024.
- Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/in-depth/flu-shots/art-20048000. Accessed September 26, 2024.