Winter time often means holidays, snow and fun but it also means that flu season is upon us. The peak of flu season often coincides with the winter holidays. No one wants to spend the holidays in bed feeling sick. Here are some ways to avoid getting sick this flu season.
What is the Flu?
The flu is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. The flu is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs. It usually lasts for about a week and some of the most common symptoms include fever and a runny nose. The flu is contagious and spreads from person to person via droplets from coughing or sneezing. The virus can also be transmitted through contact with surfaces that have been contaminated by the droplets of an infected person.
Common Symptoms of the Flu
- Sudden high temperature
- Muscle and body aches
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea or tummy pain
There are a few more severe symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing and coughing up blood. If you experience any of these severe symptoms you should immediately consult your healthcare provider.
When is Flu Season
Flu season is a time of year when the flu virus spreads easily and can cause serious illness. Flu season in England (and throughout the northern hemisphere) can begin as early as October and continue through May, peaking in January and February. Generally, flu outbreaks are more common when the weather is cold.
The flu is more common in colder months for two main reasons. Cold and dry air results in viruses sticking around longer, meaning the infected particles can travel further. Additionally, during the colder months we spend more time indoors, increasing the risks of transmission due to constant close contact.
Flu Season 2023
In early October of 2022, England saw a higher than usual number of flu cases climbing faster than usual, suggesting that flu season began earlier than normal. This follows trends from the southern hemisphere countries who had just experienced their most rampant flu season in years, providing a warning to the northern hemisphere to prepare for the coming flu season. One of the reasons for the increase in the number of cases is low immunity to the flu due to Covid pandemic and weaker immune systems overall.
How to avoid getting the Flu
At Cannabotech we believe in preventative care.
Here are some ways you can increase your body’s protections against the flu.
1. Get Vaccinated
Flu vaccination is safe and effective. It's offered every year through the NHS to help protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu. Getting vaccinated is important because while the flu is not a pleasant experience for anyone, it can be particularly dangerous for people with pre-existing health conditions. The best time to get your flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before flu season begins to worsen.
2. Practice Good Hygiene
Practicing good hygiene can help stop the spread of germs and viral infections such as the flu. Some examples of ways you can practice good hygiene in order to avoid the flu include:
- washing your hands often with warm water and soap
- covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- throwing away used tissues as quickly as possible
- avoiding touching your face
- cleaning surfaces frequently.
3. Immune System Boosters
The immune system plays a vital role in the protection of our health and ability to fight infections. Maintaining our immune system’s well-being is therefore essential to warding off the flu. You can help support your immune system with Immunity Drops and Immunity Tablets. The Immunity Drops and Immunity Food Supplments contain a unique blend of functional mushrooms and CBD oil.
Functional mushrooms are packed with antioxidants and are known to support the immune system. CBD oil gives added support to the endocannabinoid system.
The drops and tablets are designed with a preventative approach in mind, meaning you can take them while healthy, to promote well-being.
What to Do if You Get the Flu
Check in with your doctor
If you experience any severe symptoms or feel as though your symptoms are not improving, you should seek advice from a medical professional. This is especially important if you are a vulnerable individual with pre-existing health conditions.
Stay home and rest
Most cases of the flu are not severe, so the best ways to recover include rest, keeping warm, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower temperatures and treat aches and pains, taking Immunity Supplements to minimize symptoms and making sure to stay hydrated.
Prevent The Symptoms Before They Begin
A preventative approach means stopping a problem or in this case, a virus, before it begins. Since the immune system is our first line of defense against illness, taking a preventative approach limits the risk of harm from sicknesses. This includes taking measures such as receiving vaccinations, maintaining good hygiene and using immune boosting supplements. Immune boosting supplements can be taken while healthy or sick as they can both help our bodies ward off illness and alleviate symptoms of illness when infected.
