Up to 41 million people in the United States get the flu each year. Colds, COVID-19, and other illnesses are also common, leading to missed work days and just feeling lousy. So, it’s good to do what you can to help prevent your family from swapping sicknesses.
If you or a loved one becomes ill, visit one of our primary care experts at Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie in Grand Prairie, Texas, by scheduling an appointment online or by phone today.
The symptoms you or a family member may develop because of an illness include:
Sicknesses can also lead to ear infections, eye infections, sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other illness-related complications.
Here are some ways to reduce the risk of illnesses spreading throughout your family circle:
Keep your hands as germ-free as possible by washing them frequently with antibacterial soap and water (for at least 20 seconds), or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol to keep illness-causing microbes at bay.
Encourage you and the rest of your family members to avoid touching their eyes, nose, mouth, and other parts of their face, as doing so allows germs to enter the body, replicate, and cause illnesses to spread.
If you’re eligible for vaccines like flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, consider getting them to lessen your risk of becoming ill or having severe symptoms.
Sicknesses spread more easily in larger group gatherings, such as concerts, sporting events, shopping malls, airplanes, and public transportation. Limit being in large crowds whenever possible — especially during flu season — to reduce your family’s risk of getting sick and spreading illnesses.
Shared surfaces can be breeding grounds for germs. Use a disinfectant to sanitize countertops, tables, handles, and door knobs often — especially during flu season — to reduce the risk of spreading sicknesses.
Avoid sharing utensils and personal items, such as clothes, blankets, towels, makeup, toothbrushes, hair brushes, etc., to help prevent your family from spreading illnesses. Replace your kitchen and bathroom hand towels frequently, or opt for disposable paper towels instead.
Encourage family members to cover their sneezes and coughs, preferably with their inner elbow rather than their hand, to reduce the risk of airborne germs infecting other family members.
Colds, flu, COVID-19, and other illnesses spread via contact with other people who are sick. Risk factors include being a young child or older adult, having a weakened immune system, and being in close contact (or sharing personal items) with people who are ill. Germs spread many illnesses via sneezing, coughing, or touching shared surfaces.
If you or a loved one gets sick and needs symptom relief — or you’re interested in vaccinations — contact us today at Primary Care Doctors of Grand Prairie by phone or online to schedule an appointment.
