The influenza virus, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.

It spreads easily from person to person, mainly when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and can cause mild to severe illness and even death. The most effective way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated, but there are also other measures you can take to protect yourself and your household from the flu.

In this article, we will discuss how you can fight off the influenza virus from your house.

1. Keep Your House Clean

Keeping your house clean is essential in fighting off the influenza virus.

The flu virus can survive on surfaces for up to 24 hours, so it’s important to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, phones, and countertops. Use a disinfectant that is effective against the influenza virus. Also, regularly clean and disinfect shared items, such as toys and kitchen utensils, especially if someone in your household is sick.

2. Wash Your Hands Frequently

Washing your hands frequently is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the flu virus. Use soap and warm water, and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Encourage everyone in your household to wash their hands frequently, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after coughing or blowing their nose.

3. Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes

When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. This can prevent the spread of the flu virus to others. Make sure to properly dispose of used tissues and wash your hands afterward.

Teach your children to cover their coughs and sneezes too.

4. Stay Home When Sick

It’s important to stay home when you are sick to prevent the spread of the flu virus to others.

If you or someone in your household is sick with the flu, avoid contact with others as much as possible and stay home until at least 24 hours after the fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medication. If you have a fever, stay home until the fever is gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

5. Increase Ventilation

Increasing ventilation in your house can help reduce the concentration of flu viruses in the air.

Keep windows open when possible, especially in shared areas such as the living room, and use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to vent stale air outside. You can also use a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture and remove airborne viruses.

6. Boost Your Immune System

A strong immune system can help fight off the flu virus. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, manage stress, and stay hydrated.

You can also supplement with immune-boosting vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.

7. Get Vaccinated

The most effective way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is safe and recommended for everyone over 6 months of age.

The vaccine helps your body develop immunity to the flu virus and can also reduce the severity of the illness if you do get sick. Make sure to get vaccinated every flu season, as the flu virus can change from year to year.

8. Treat Symptoms Right Away

If you or someone in your household gets sick with the flu, treat the symptoms right away. Take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and relieve aches and pains.

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest. If you have a severe case of the flu or are at high risk of complications, such as young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with underlying medical conditions, consult a healthcare provider.

9. Be Prepared

It’s always a good idea to be prepared for flu season. Stock up on supplies such as tissues, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, and over-the-counter medications. Make sure you have a thermometer to monitor your temperature and a basic first-aid kit.

Have a plan in place for what to do if someone in your household gets sick, such as where they will stay and how you will care for them.

10. Stay Informed

Stay informed about the latest flu outbreak in your area and follow the recommendations of the public health authorities.

Monitor your own health and the health of those around you, especially if you or someone in your household is at higher risk for complications. Know the signs and symptoms of the flu and when to seek medical attention if necessary.

Conclusion

Fighting off the influenza virus from your house is a team effort that requires everyone in your household to do their part.

By keeping your house clean, washing your hands frequently, covering your coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick, increasing ventilation, boosting your immune system, getting vaccinated, treating symptoms right away, being prepared, and staying informed, you can help prevent the spread of the flu virus and keep yourself and your household healthy.