To reduce the risk of catching a cold or influenza :
Wash Your Hands Often
Hand washing is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of getting a cold or the flu. Washing hands is especially important when around a person who is sick.
To help stop the spread of cold and flu germs:
- Wash hands for 15 to 20 seconds with soap and water
- Do not touch people or things after sneezing or coughing into your hands
- Use alcohol-based hand gels when washing is not possible
Wear a Face Mask
When around a sick person, wear a face mask. It can help protect you from getting infected.
Do Not Share Items
Do not share drinks or personal items.
Keep Your Hands Away From Your Face
Do not bite your nails or put your hands near your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Avoid Crowds During Flu Season
It is not always easy to avoid crowds. However, some people are more apt to catch colds or the flu, or have problems from them. They need to take extra care to avoid crowded areas and sick people.
Get a Flu Vaccine
Each year, certain strains of flu virus are more common and harmful. Vaccines are developed for these strains. Flu vaccines are available and advised for most people aged 6 months and older.
There is a vaccine against the avian flu, but it is not available to the general public.
The seasonal flu vaccine helps reduce hospitalizations and deaths from the flu or pneumonia among older people. A yearly flu vaccine is advised for anyone aged 6 months and older. When getting their first flu vaccine, kids 6 months to 8 years will need 2 doses. This helps build immunity to the virus.
Different types of seasonal flu vaccines are:
- Flu shot—This is for people aged 6 months and older. The shot is made from an inactive, killed virus. It is given by injection, usually into the arm.
- Nasal spray flu vaccine—This is approved for healthy people aged 2 to 49 years who are not pregnant. It is made from live, weakened flu viruses. The nasal spray should not be used in those with certain health problems.
- Flu vaccines made without eggs—These are for people who have allergies or reactions to eggs.
Some people have side effects after the flu vaccine. Side effects may include fever, aches, and tiredness.
Flu vaccines are available at doctors' offices, hospitals, and public health offices. Some workplaces, stores, and shopping malls also offer flu vaccines.
Medicine
Most people do not need antiviral medicines. You my want to talk to the doctor about medicine if you:
- Are exposed to the flu, and
- Are at high risk of having problems from it
You may live with someone who is at risk for problems from the flu. This may be an older person, baby, or someone with a certain health condition. If you get the flu, that person may need to take antiviral medicines to prevent getting the flu from you. These medicines are not a substitute for the flu shot. The flu shot is still the best way to prevent the flu.
Alternative Treatments
Some alternative treatments may have protective benefits, such as:
- Zinc—Taking a daily zinc supplement may reduce your risk of getting sick.
- Andrographis (also called "Indian echinacea")—This herb may increase your resistance to colds.
- Vitamin C—A daily dose of this vitamin may also help you to stay healthy.
Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking herbs or supplements. They can interact with other medicines you are taking. They can also worsen certain health conditions.
References
Antiviral treatment for influenza prophylaxis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/prevention/antiviral-medications-for-influenza-prophylaxis. Accessed March 10, 2022.
Colds and flus. EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at:https://www.ebsco.com/products/research-databases/natural-alternative-treatments. Accessed March 10, 2022.
Influenza in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/influenza-in-adults. Accessed March 10, 2022.
Influenza in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/influenza-in-children. Accessed March 10, 2022.
Jefferson T, Del Mar CB, et al. Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Nov 20;11(11):CD006207.
Key facts about seasonal flu vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm. Accessed March 10, 2022.
Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) (the nasal spray vaccine). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/nasalspray.htm. Accessed March 10, 2022.
Preventive steps. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/prevention.htm. Accessed March 10, 2022.
Upper respiratory infection (URI) in adults and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/upper-respiratory-infection-uri-in-adults-and-adolescents-18. Accessed March 10, 2022.
What you should know about flu antiviral drugs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/whatyoushould.htm. Accessed March 10, 2022.