5 simple steps that protect you from contracting influenza, according to the World Health Organization

<p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr">ArabiaWeather - The most common symptoms of influenza include: fever, dry cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, and runny nose, and millions of people are infected with influenza every year. While most recover within a week, an unlucky few die from influenza. Seasonal influenza epidemics typically occur in late fall and during the winter, and can therefore be anticipated and prepared for. In tropical regions, the influenza virus can circulate throughout the year. This causes irregular outbreaks, but prevention remains an important factor.</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"></p><h3 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <strong><u>Below are tips to help protect yourself and those around you from the flu</u></strong></h3><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"></p><h3 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <strong><u>Fortify yourself</u></strong></h3><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> The annual influenza vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself from influenza and its dangerous complications. Vaccination is especially important for pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy. It is also essential for children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions, and health care workers. <strong>Remember: The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. Having some aches or fever after vaccination is a completely normal and normal reaction and generally lasts a day or two.</strong></p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"></p><h3 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <strong><u>Wash your hands regularly</u></strong></h3><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Hand hygiene protects against most infections, including influenza. Keeping your hands clean is an easy way to protect your health and the health of your family. Wash your hands regularly with soap and running water and dry them well with a single-use towel. You can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"></p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"></p><h3 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <u><strong>Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth</strong></u></h3><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Germs travel into the body, most likely through the eyes, nose, and mouth. While you can&#39;t control everything you inhale, you can reduce the risk of infection by keeping your hands away from your face. If you have to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, use a clean tissue or wash your hands first.</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"></p><h3 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <u><strong>Avoid being near sick people</strong></u></h3><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Influenza is contagious and spreads easily in crowded places, such as public transportation, schools, nursing homes, and in social gatherings. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, virus-laden droplets can spread up to one meter, infecting those who inhale them.</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"></p><h3 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <strong><u>If you are sick, stay home</u></strong></h3><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> If you have the flu, being close to others puts them at risk of infection. This is especially true for people with chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and HIV. Therefore, isolating yourself quickly from others will prevent the spread of influenza and save lives.</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"></p>