Flu Season Essentials

In Kenya, the flu season peaks during the rainy and cold season: mostly February, March, July, August, October and November. Kenya is among those countries where diseases like the flu can be a major burden on its people. Here are a few tips on how to stay nice and healthy through this flu season.

1. Wash your hands frequently.

Especially after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, being with ill people and especially before you eat. You may use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rinse (alcohol rinses are available at all pharmacies and should contain at least 60 percent alcohol). Remember to wash your hands for 20 seconds.

2. Avoid sharing objects.

Objects around us, like phones, door handles, countertops, etc are bound to be teeming with bacteria during this season, so exercise caution when in contact with these areas.

3. Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.

Viruses are often spread after a person touches something that is contaminated with the virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

4. Get enough sleep/rest.

This is just good practice. If you get enough sleep, get regular exercise, practice good hygiene and eat a healthy, balanced diet, you’re more likely to avoid illness.

5. Avoid crowds and keep your distance from people whom you know are ill.

This one is pretty straightforward. If you are sick, avoid contact with the frail, very young and elderly. If you are sick, stay home from work or school. Use tissues for coughs and sneezes and dispose of them immediately and appropriately. If your coworker is ill, steer clear of his or her sneezes and coughs. When possible, avoid shaking hands with someone who is ill with a respiratory infection. If you are caring for an ill family member, wash your hands frequently and minimize proximity to his or her face.

6. Cover your mouth or tuck it into your elbow when coughing or sneezing and encourage others to do so. Wash your hands afterward.

Stay home if you have a respiratory infection when possible. A general guideline is to stay home 24 hours after fever resolves off medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

A flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against the flu. However, if you’re unable to access that, these tips combined with a balanced diet, which you can achieve with Kapa Oil Refineries’ wide range of products.