Stay Healthy This Cold and Flu Season: Essential Self-Care Tips from Dr. Nandini Koka

Stay Healthy This Cold and Flu Season: Essential Self-Care Tips from Dr. Nandini Koka

November 21, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Health

Cold and Flu Season Care Tips

Cold and flu season is upon us. Dr. Nandini Koka, a medical doctor and executive director of Student Health Services at George Mason University, provides helpful self-care steps for staying healthy this season.

  1. Wash Your Hands: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

    Hand washing
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  2. Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes: Cough and sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue.

  3. Avoid Touching Your Face: Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.

  4. Stay Home if Sick: If you have a fever or flu symptoms, stay home.

  5. Wait Before Returning: Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, unless you need medical care.

  6. Wear a Mask: If you must be around others while sick, wear a well-fitting mask.

  7. Support Your Immune System: Stay hydrated, eat a healthy diet, stay active, and get enough sleep.

    Thermometer
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  8. Get Vaccinated: Get the seasonal flu vaccine and the updated COVID vaccine. Depending on your age and eligibility, consider the RSV and pneumonia vaccines too. Students can receive the flu vaccine at Student Health Services. Faculty, staff, and students can also visit local pharmacies or primary care doctors if they missed campus vaccination clinics.

By following these steps, you can help protect yourself and others during this respiratory season. Stay healthy!