The flu season has hit hard this year, with reports of thousands of people getting infected. In just one day, the death toll rose to 108 and 60 new cases were reported.

This is a big concern for health officials, who are urging people to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the flu.

What is the Flu?

The flu, also known as influenza, is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. The virus can spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or touching a surface contaminated with the virus.

Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. In severe cases, the flu can lead to hospitalization and even death, especially for people with weakened immune systems.

How to Protect Yourself from the Flu?

1. Get vaccinated – The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu. It is recommended for everyone above the age of six months. If you haven’t received the flu vaccine yet, it is not too late.

2. Wash your hands frequently – Use soap and water to clean your hands, especially after being in contact with anyone who is sick or touching surfaces that may be contaminated.

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

3. Cover your mouth and nose – When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose. Throw away the tissue immediately and wash your hands.

4. Avoid close contact – Try to avoid close contact with anyone who is sick. If you are sick, stay at home to avoid spreading the virus to others.

How to Treat the Flu?

If you develop flu symptoms, it is important to rest and stay hydrated. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve symptoms such as fever and body aches.

Antiviral medications prescribed by a doctor may also be helpful in reducing the severity of the flu and preventing complications.

Who is at Risk of Complications?

While anyone can get the flu, some people are at higher risk of developing complications. These include:.

Elderly people
Pregnant women
Children under the age of five
People with weakened immune systems
People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease

When to Seek Medical Attention?

If you have flu symptoms and are at a higher risk of complications, it is important to seek medical attention.

Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, confusion, and persistent vomiting should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.

Conclusion

The flu can be a serious and sometimes deadly illness. Taking necessary precautions such as getting vaccinated, washing your hands, and avoiding close contact with sick people can help prevent the spread of the virus.

If you do develop flu symptoms, rest and hydration, over-the-counter medications, and antiviral medications prescribed by a doctor can help manage the symptoms and prevent complications.