For many people, getting the flu is more of an annoyance than a serious concern. For those with preexisting respiratory illnesses, the flu can be damaging to their already at-risk lungs and make their symptoms harsher. In this blog, we’ll explain some things you can do to be prepared for the upcoming flu season.
Common Respiratory Illnesses
Individuals with any of the following respiratory illnesses should take extra steps to stay healthy when flu season comes around.
- Asthma
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Lung Cancer
A Rundown of the Flu
Flu season normally occurs during the fall and winter seasons with peaks between the months of December and February. It spreads person-to-person, mainly through droplets that enter another person’s lungs. The flu is a viral infection that has various strains and subtypes, but the symptoms are often easy to spot in most individuals.
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Runny nose
- Headaches
- Cough
- Fatigue
How to Prepare
Just like any illness, there isn’t a set of rules that ensure you have no chance of getting the flu. There are healthy habits you can incorporate into your daily life so that you have less of a chance of getting sick. Some of these healthy habits include:
- Getting vaccinated each year
- Washing your hands often
- Disinfecting surfaces you use often
- Getting the proper amount of sleep
- Drinking lots of water
- Staying active
What to Avoid
You can follow all the tips mentioned above but still easily get the flu if you’re continuing some of the following unhealthy habits. This flu season, avoid:
- Hanging around individuals who feel sick
- Going out when you’re feeling sick
- Touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Overwhelming yourself with stress
- Smoking
How We Can Help You
With a doctor’s prescription, we can perform lung testing at any of our locations to help you get the respiratory diagnosis and treatment you need. Some reasons your doctor may request this test if you’re older than 40 years old include chronic coughing, wheezing, lengthy colds, shortness of breath and other symptoms.
Flu season has begun, and we want to make sure you and your loved ones are staying as healthy as possible. Whether or not you have a preexisting respiratory illness, the flu is never fun and can put a damper on exciting fall and winter festivities. If you have questions about our lung testing or want to learn more about how we can help, contact us today!