10 tips to manage this flu season from Dr. John Sensakovic

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My Central Jersey is collecting coat donations for the holiday season this year.
Nick Muscavage, @nmuscavage

The seasons are changing and temperatures are dropping. That means the start of flu season. Infecting the nose, throat, and lungs, the influenza virus can attack all people, even those in good health, causing mild to severe illness. Dr. John Sensakovic, an infectious disease specialist with Hackensack Meridian Health JFK Medical Center, Edison, shares 10 tips on how to prevent the spread of flu this winter.

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1. Get the flu shot. Anyone 6 months of age and older should receive the flu vaccination. It is the single best prevention method. It is especially important for high risk people: young children, pregnant women, those 65 years and older, and people with chronic health conditions.

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2. Help saves lives. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the flu vaccine can significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from the influenza virus. By not getting your flu shot, you can spread the virus to others.

3. Wash your hands. Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water is highly recommended. Also use hand sanitizing liquids to kill germs. 

4. Avoid close contact with sick people. Stay home from work or school if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. Your fever should be gone at least 24 hours without taking fever reducing medication, before returning to work/school.

5. Cover up. When sneezing or coughing, that is. Your elbow is a convenient cover when you don’t have time to grab a tissue. Remember to discard used tissues and wash your hands immediately.

6. Don’t touch. Avoid touching mouth, eyes and nose as that quickly spreads germs. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your workplace, school and home to kill germs. 

7. Practice healthy habits. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep to keep your body strong.

8. It’s not too late. Flu activity can start as early as October, with its peak period being December through February, lasting as late as May. It is not too late to get your flu shot anytime during this period. 

9. Find the shot. Stop in your local pharmacy or urgent care center. Check with your family physician. If your employer offers the flu shot on-site, take advantage of it. Check with your town. Visit the Vaccine Finder website (https://vaccinefinder.org/).

10. A cold or the flu? Both affect the respiratory system and have similar symptoms. With a cold, a runny, stuffy nose and milder symptoms are prevalent. Flu symptoms can include cough, sore throat, fever, muscle and body aches, headache and tiredness. Get tested to determine if you have the flu — visit your doctor or urgent care center.

Dr. John Sensakovic, an infectious disease specialist with Hackensack Meridian Health JFK Medical Center, (Photo: ~Courtesy of Hackensack Meridian Health)

Dr. John Sensakovic is an infectious disease specialist with Hackensack Meridian Health JFK Medical Center.