Avoiding the flu

Avoiding the Flu We all know the importance of a flu shot, and that goes without saying, especially as a nurse. The thing is, not every flu shot covers every type of flu, so, and ultimately, you could still come down with a strain of flu that you were not vaccinated against.

If you have a patient from a different country, or even outside your local region, and they have the flu, be extra careful. The vaccinations for flu can be generalized to your local area. This means that a patient from another region could expose you to a flu that you have no antibodies against. When working with a patient under these circumstances, take extra caution, masks, protective gown, and be sure to wash hands when leaving the room.

Tips for Avoiding Flu During flu season, be sure you get plenty of rest. It can be difficult to always get 8 hours’ sleep, however, during times that there is an outbreak of flu, and you work in a hospital where flu patients are all around you, it's essential. A proper amount of rest can help keep your immunity at its best; it will also offer a clearer mind and overall feeling of better health.

Proper Nutrition is vital during winter months. Cold weather simply causes the body to burn more calories. It may be necessary to increase calories to meet nutritional needs. It's also important to ensure the calories are not empty calories. Make the most of your caloric intake and keep your immunity in top shape. Be sure to eat breakfast to start your day, and include fruit or juice that offers vitamin C. Healthy snacks during your work shift will keep you fueled, and help to keep immunity prepared to fight off influenza.

Vitamins may help, especially if you lack proper nutrition. Zinc has been linked to keeping colds and flu away, and it's inexpensive and easy to take. Vitamin fortified juice can be a good alternative to soda, offering vitamin C in a healthy dose, as well as other vitamins that promote health.

Related: What does a nursing student look like? - International Nurses Association What If You Catch the Flu? Sometimes, you can take every precaution and the nasty influenza grabs you anyway. The first thing you need to do is call off work. Attending work when you have the flu would be irresponsible, as well as harmful to yourself; it's time to get some rest. Spreading flu to sick patients is dangerous.

Considering their compromised immune systems, the flu could be deadly. In

addition, your coworkers would be pretty unhappy if you came to work and gave them the flu, just stay home. A few days off, and you should feel better, just make sure you are fever free for 24 hours prior to returning to work. Take care of yourself during a bout of flu. Stay in bed and relax, your body will crave sleep, and you should give in, rest is a great medicine for flu. You most likely don't need a doctor's visit, however a prescription for a flu medication may help. Tamiflu works to an extent; however, it must be taken at the onset of flu. You may not have much appetite, but be sure to consume enough to keep your strength up. Chicken soup can help to break up congestion, and its mild on the stomach, so a great choice. Be sure to consume some juice, vitamin C can help you maintain energy. Remember, antibiotics do not cure the flu, so there is no point in taking them.

Related: The Happy Side of Nursing Statistics Each year nurses working in a hospital setting are exposed to a variety of strains of flu. Some will contract it, and some won't. A nurse working in a hospital during flu season has a 40% chance of getting the flu, if they did not have a flu shot. That chance lowers to 15% with a shot.

Each flu season the rate of missed days by nurses increases by 30%.

Some of this is due to a common cold, and to be cautious, many stay out of work to ensure they don't have, and spread the flu.

97% of all nurses take the flu shot each year. Some people are allergic to the vaccination, and cannot tolerate it.

The influenza virus is generally not fatal; however, for the elderly, very young, or anyone with a compromised immune system, it can very dangerous and even fatal. Staying home if you have the flu is the best thing you can do for yourself, and those you may expose. Make sure you are fever free for 24 hours before returning to work, and everyone will appreciate your efforts not to spread the virus.

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