How can you protect yourself against flu
As soon as the temperature drops in winter, colds and flu start doing the rounds. Our tips will help protect you from picking up an infection.
In Switzerland, flu outbreaks generally occur between December and April. A healthy lifestyle strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of catching flu or a flu-like infection (cold or acute infection of airways).
A healthy lifestyle includes:
- a balanced diet
- lots of exercise
- plenty of fresh air and sunlight
- sufficient sleep
However, a strong immune system does not protect you 100% against infection.
COVID-19 can cause symptoms that are similar to those of flu. If you have any cold or flu symptoms, you should stay at home. Get tested for coronavirus or call your doctor to discuss what to do next. Even if your COVID-19 test result is negative, you should avoid contact with other people for at least 24 hours after your symptoms have disappeared.
These simple tips will help you reduce the risk of catching flu further still.
- Wash or disinfect your hands regularly with warm water and soap for 20 to 30 seconds. Try to not touch your face, because most viruses are transferred via the hands.
- If possible, air rooms for between five and fifteen minutes, three times a day. This reduces the number of germs in the air and makes droplet infections less likely.
- Avoid getting dry airways, because it is easier to fend off viruses if mucous membranes are lubricated. So, drink enough and place a dish of water on the radiator, which adds a little humidity to the dry indoor air.
- Avoid closed rooms and large crowds (public transport, for example) as much as possible.
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue and throw it away afterwards. If this is not possible, sneeze into the crook of your arm. This is more hygienic than coughing or sneezing into your hands.
- The flu jab is also a good way to prevent illness. Find out more in our blog article.
