The flu virus has been around for centuries, so naturally there are many myths and old wives tales about how to prevent the flu. It can be difficult separating the medical facts from popular fiction, but taking the right prevention steps will make the cold season much easier to handle.
Antibiotics Can Prevent Or Fight The Flu
This is a common myth; many people go to a doctor or clinic and ask for antibiotics when they have the flu. Some people even ask for them as a preventative measure before they catch it. The major problem here is that the flu is a virus and antibiotics have no affect on a virus.
In reality, antibacterial hand sanitizer is able to prevent the spread of illnesses. Using antibiotics as a preventative measure is actually harmful in the long run. The more antibiotics a person takes, the more resistant they become. So when a real bacterial infection comes along, antibiotics will be less effective. It is possible to catch a bacterial infection while sick with influenza and that is the only time it is appropriate to take antibiotics.
The Flu Is Only A Problem For Children And The Elderly
Some people think this bug is just a fact of life and when you are a healthy adult, you just deal with the symptoms. While it is true that influenza can be fatal to the elderly and children, there are many complications that can occur to normal adults as well. In particular, H1N1 seems to be worse for people with normal immune systems. Either way, influenza will cause lost time from work or school, can spread to other family members, and leave a sick person open to additional infections. It is best to just prevent it outright, for example by using antibacterial hand sanitizer, rather than tough it out.
You Can Only Catch Influenza Once A Season
It is too bad that this virus doesn't work that way. We can only get chickenpox once in a lifetime, but the influenza virus can strike multiple times over a single season. Influenza comes in many different strains and types. Even within a single year, there are usually at least two different types of the virus in circulation. On bad years, sometimes there are multiple strains in effect all with different types. Just because you've caught one of them doesn't mean you won't catch more. Don't skip the vaccine or stop using antibacterial hand sanitizer and good hygiene practices.
The same logic applies to catching the virus every other year. Some people believe that a vaccine lasts for two years or that you skip a year if you caught it last year. Again, this is a myth so get the vaccine and keep the antibacterial hand sanitizer close by.
Of course, the best overall prevention advice, in addition to the vaccine, is to stay healthy and fit with good diet and exercise and practice good hygiene habits like washing your hands and frequently using antibacterial hand sanitizer.
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