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5 Tips for Staying Well During Cold and Flu Season
You might have noticed friends, family, and caregivers coming down with the flu, cold, or COVID-19 in the last couple of weeks.
Flu season is upon us. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu hits its peak between December and February.
Many patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy are at increased risk of catching one of these viruses because they are immunocompromised. It’s can be a side-effect of chronic steroid use. Additionally, weakened respiratory muscles can potentially turn a common cold into something more serious.
The CDC has come up with a list that can help prevent sickness this flu season:
- Get a flu vaccine
- This includes individuals with Duchenne, the whole family, and/or those who are in close proximity to the individual with Duchenne.
- September and October are the best times to get vaccinated, but vaccinations after autumn can protect people from the flu virus.
- Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough
- Don’t touch your face and disinfect regularly
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water
- Take antiviral drugs
- Consult your doctor first. This treatment can shorten the time of sickness and make the illness milder. They work best when started within two days of symptoms.
Hawken’s Thoughts:
Hawken Miller is a journalist, bringing his experience writing for outlets like The Washington Post and BioNews, along with his personal experience living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, to CureDuchenne. Learn more about Hawken here.
I like to keep a travel-size bottle of hand sanitizer in the side pocket of my wheelchair. If I want to wash my hands but a bathroom sink is not accessible, I can quickly reach into my bag and dispel those nasty germs.
It’s also important to maintain a healthy diet. I have a salad three times a week that includes, kale, lettuce, bell peppers, tomatoes, and oranges. These fruits and vegetables have high levels of vitamin C. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C gives the immune system a boost and has been shown to reduce the length and severity of colds.
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