You start sneezing and feeling achy and wonder…is this the flu?

The flu is caused by type A or B influenza viruses. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, fever, chills, fatigue and body aches. Flu viruses strike seasonally and can spread like wildfire.

The Ministry of Health has recently put Jamaica on influenza alert because of a spike in the number of patients with these symptoms.

The flu is highly contagious, and while it is unpleasant but not dangerous for many people, it can be life-threatening to others.

Children under five years old, people  over the age of 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems are at risk for complications.

So how do you avoid catching the flu?

Get the vaccine

Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to arm you against the influenza virus.

Yes, you can get the flu vaccine in Jamaica. It is offered free at the public health clinics to vulnerable groups: children and older people, healthcare workers, pregnant women, non-health frontline workers, and people who are institutionalised or in state care.

You can also check your private healthcare provider to see if they have the flu vaccine available.

Avoid touching other people

Keeping your distance from those displaying signs of illness as much as possible is a good way to protect yourself. And if you fall ill, stay away from others as much as possible to avoid spreading the flu virus.

Stay away from your face

We often unconsciously touch our faces as we go about the day. With the flu going around, however, try to be aware of your hands and keep them away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. Flu germs can hang around on surfaces we frequently touch such as desks, doorknobs, and faucets for up to eight hours. You don’t want to transfer those germs to your vulnerable eyes, nose, and mouth.

Wash your hands frequently

This flu season, wash your hands regularly and frequently especially if you’re in an environment where someone has the flu. Lather your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds making sure to washing under nails and between fingers.

Sanitise

Sometimes you can’t get to a sink. Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with you to clean your hands after touching a germy surface or shaking the hand of a sick person.

Sanitise surfaces too

Sanitise surfaces you regularly come in contact with like your desk, the refrigerator door handle, faucets, TV remotes, phones, and keyboards. This is particularly important to keep yourself flu-free if you live with someone who has the virus.

Take care

Look after yourself. Get plenty of sleep, eat a balanced diet, and be active. Taking care of your general health will give your body the strength it needs to fend off the flu.

If you have the flu, please don’t go to work or school sick. Stay home, get better, and avoid passing the virus on to others.

Interested in getting the flu vaccine? Check out Find Yello’s listing for doctors to find a practitioner who provides the flu shot.

Sources: Jamaica Gleaner, WebMD, CDC