of the virus through contact. It states, “The flu spreads easily from person to person. . . You can get infected with the flu if you breathe it in or if you touch something that has the flu virus on it and then touch your nose, eyes, or mouth.”
For this reason, we begin to understand the importance of hand washing. Washing your hands frequently, immediately before eating, after sneezing and after using the restroom are necessary for protecting your health. Be sure to use proper technique.
Clean surfaces often. During the flu season, be sure to wipe down surfaces with a disinfectant. An NHS article informs readers that the flu viruses that are capable of being transferred and causing infection can survive on hard surfaces for 24 hours. Regularly wipe down all surfaces such as toys, doorknobs, bedside tables, phones, remotes, and countertops.
If one were to contract the flu, treatment is straightforward.
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Treat the fever right away-do not delay
- Contact your doctor
Shelby Pauling is an Economics major, Mathematics minor student at Spelman College from Chicago, Illinois. When Shelby is not studying, she ignites her creative side by researching upcoming health and beauty trends. Shelby’s understanding for the importance of health literacy in the black community led her to join Spelman College’s NAACP Chapter and the Health Careers Club, where she indulges in conversations and community service activities focused on stimulating dialogue amongst her peers and local Atlanta residents.