How to protect yourself and your family this flu season

In Bermuda, flu season typically runs from October to May, with activity often peaking in January and February.

Influenza (“the flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness that often shows up suddenly. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, headaches, body aches, and fatigue.

While people often confuse the flu with the common cold, there are some key differences: a cold usually develops gradually and mainly affects the nose and throat, while flu symptoms often come on suddenly and are more likely to affect your whole body.

Why is it important to protect yourself from the flu?

Most people recover from the flu without medical treatment, but it can sometimes cause serious complications, including pneumonia and, in some cases, sepsis. Research has also found an increased risk of heart attack in the week following a flu infection.

Anyone can become seriously ill from the flu, but the risk of complications is greater for people aged 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems.

Taking care of your overall health and taking steps to prevent the flu can help protect you, your family, and others in our community — particularly those who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.

How can you protect yourself and avoid spreading the flu?

Here are six simple ways to help reduce your risk of catching or spreading the flu:

1. Get your annual flu vaccine. Flu viruses can change over time, so get vaccinated each year to help protect you against the strains expected to be circulating in any given flu season. The Bermuda Ministry of Health recommends flu vaccination for everyone aged six months and older.

2. Wash your hands regularly. Wash or sanitise your hands regularly — and always after coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, as these are key entry points for a flu virus.

3. Cover your coughs and sneezes. The flu spreads mainly through respiratory particles produced when people with the virus cough, sneeze, or talk. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing, dispose of used tissues, and wash your hands afterwards.

4. Stay home when you’re sick. According to the CDC, you can spread the flu virus from about a day before symptoms develop until five to seven days after you become sick. If you’re feeling unwell, stay home and limit close contact with others to help prevent the virus from spreading.

5. Take extra care around those who are more vulnerable. If you’re unwell, avoid close contact with people who may be at greater risk of serious illness and consider rescheduling visits until you’re feeling better.

6. Seek help if flu symptoms are severe or persistent. Always let your health practitioner know you’re ill before you visit. Follow any advice they give you, such as wearing a mask in waiting areas.

These measures, including the flu vaccine, are some of the best ways to help protect yourself and those around you. Consider speaking with your doctor or pharmacist about getting vaccinated ahead of flu season, especially if you know you are at higher risk of complications.

The information in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Speak with your qualified healthcare provider if you have questions about your individual health needs.