The United States' flu season is just around the corner, with the cold weather and dry air making it easier for people to catch the virus and then suffer the symptoms of coughing, sneezing, runny noses, headaches, sore throats, and fevers. Fortunately, people can fight such cold-weather illnesses by taking preventative steps to avoid influenza germs, including flu shots and healthy living.
Colder air temperatures can cause people to become sick. However, bacteria are a bigger threat during the winter months.
Dry and cold air outdoors and indoors (caused by central heating), makes it easier for the flu's microorganisms to live and transmit, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Humid and rainy weather can have the same effect.
In addition, people spend more time indoors during the winter months. Being physically close to friends, family, and coworkers also makes it easier to transmit bacteria.
The good news is that people can take steps to prevent the spread of influenza germs. It is important to wash hands often and thoroughly with warm, soapy water.
It is also critical to practice healthy habits. That includes eating nutritious foods, drinking enough water, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress levels, according to Providence Journal.
People should also use a tissue to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Then they should toss the used issue into a trashcan.
It is also critical get a flu vaccination, and particularly children under 5 years old and seniors at least 65 years old. That is due to their weaker immune systems.
The two types of vaccinations are the regular dose shots and high-dose injections. A healthcare provider can determine which vaccine is right on a case-by-case basis.
There are three main types of flu viruses. Types A and B cause seasonal epidemics almost every winter in the U.S., while Type C causes mild respiratory illnesses.
This video explains how the flu invades a person's body: