As the weather in UAE changes with the cooler months, nights fall earlier and the cozy season arrives. Unfortunately, this also means that you are at a greater risk of catching the flu. The best and most important way to protect your health and enjoy cooler months to the fullest is to prepare.
You shouldn’t let the transition of season get to you. So if you want to understand how to build a strong defense system and boost your immunity, let’s dive into some of the flu prevention tips.
How to Prevent Flu With Seasonal Changes?
With the flu season in the UAE starting around October, it is crucial to take preventive steps beforehand. Here are some tips on how to avoid flu:
1. Get your annual flu shot
Getting the flu vaccine each year is the best way to prevent the flu, particularly during the UAE seasonal change. The vaccine allows your immune system to recognize and fight diseases, ultimately decreasing your risk of getting sick, and helping to prevent serious illness. Getting vaccinated before the start of flu season encourages your body to develop an immune response before strains of flu start to circulate.
2. Maintain good hygiene
Good hygiene is one of the most basic but important ways to avoid getting the flu. Frequent hand washing with soap for 20 seconds removes viruses you come in contact with from surfaces and other people. If soap is not available, you can use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which may lower your risk even more. Avoid putting your hands to your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, as those are common routes for viruses to enter the body.
3. Avoid close contact with sick people
In flu season, it is critical to keep a safe distance from anyone who has symptoms of cough, sneeze, or a runny nose. Crowded areas, especially if they are indoors like malls, offices, or schools pose an increased exposure risk during certain seasonal changes in the UAE. Therefore, it is best to prepare yourself when you go to such places or avoid them if possible.
4. Clean and disinfect your environment
Viruses can survive on surfaces for hours or even days. You should regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, mobile phones, remote controls, and countertops at both home and work. Humidifiers or air purifiers add extra measures of improvement to your air quality to help protect your respiratory defenses during any dry seasonal changes.
5. Adhere to a wholesome diet
A well-balanced diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and probiotics can strengthen the immune system's ability to fight infections. Your diet should include vitamins and antioxidants that are present in citrus fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and yogurt which can help mitigate inflammation and improve immune function. Moreover, stay hydrated by maintaining adequate water intake and minimize foods high in sugar.
6. Make movement a daily habit
Physical activity is an important part of prevention of flu. Exercising daily enhances blood flow, allowing immune cells to travel freely in the body to detect infections early. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week and walking 7000+ steps a day. Simple activities around the house like cleaning or gardening can also support your physical health. Finally, movement also helps manage stress to maintain healthy hormones to support overall immunity.
7. Prioritize sleep
Having restful, restorative sleep is crucial to a healthy immune system. As we transition through seasons, aim for 7–8 hours of sleep a night as it allows the body time to repair and strengthen the immune system. On the other hand, poor sleep can lead to infection and delayed recovery. You can improve your sleep quality by avoiding late night evenings and developing a routine that calms the mind before bed. Hence, having better sleep ultimately supports a well-functioning immune system as we move into seasonal flu viruses.
8. Get IV therapy
With IV therapy, you can ensure fluids, vitamins, and antioxidants are absorbed right into your bloodstream fast. This can help support your immune defenses during flu season, enhance your hydration status, and speed recovery if you feel like you have been run down. At Valeo health, our licensed nurses safely deliver IV drips to your home to boost immunity, regain energy, or to assist recovery.
Note from Valeo Doctors: If you have the flu, it is important to protect others by staying in isolation. The flu spreads easily through contact, so taking precautions helps keep your loved ones and community safe.
Build a Strong Immune System With Valeo
At Valeo, we believe that strengthening your immune system goes beyond supplements and requires the assistance of medical experts as well. Valeo health coaches help you develop individualized lifestyle and nutrition approaches that strengthen the body’s natural defenses. Not only this but you also have the option to keep follow up sessions to check on your health and adjust your health goals.
Moreover, we also have licensed nurses who provide safe and convenient at-home influenza vaccinations and IV therapy to provide further protection during flu season and to mitigate seasonal risks. With the combination of skilled coaching, comprehensive medical care, and proactive prevention, Valeo helps you in staying healthy, protected, and ready for seasonal impact.
FAQs
1. When does flu season take place in the UAE?
Flu season in the UAE usually starts around the cooler months of the year from October to March.
2. Is the flu more prevalent during the changes in seasons?
Yes. There may be increases in the risk of flu transmission during the change in season due to changes in temperature, lower humidity, and time spent indoors.
3. Why is it important to get the flu vaccine every year?
Flu viruses vary or change from year to year and getting vaccinated every year helps your immune system recognize and fight the most recent strains. Having the vaccination before the flu season will provide more protection.
4. Who should receive the influenza vaccine?
The flu vaccine is recommended for all individuals over 6-months of age, but is highly recommended for children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, or those with chronic conditions such as, but not limited to, diabetes or asthma.
5.How does Valeo provide flu prevention?
Valeo has a holistic approach: our health coaches provide support to help you build your immunity through lifestyle and nutrition, and our licensed nurses will provide the influenza shots safely to ensure additional protection.
6. Is it possible to schedule an influenza vaccine at home?
Yes. Valeo offers the convenience of home vaccinations given by licensed nurses to make flu prevention easier and safer.
7. Other than vaccines, how can I strengthen my immune system naturally?
A well-balanced diet, exercise regularly, sleep responsibly, manage stress effectively, get IV therapy, and practice good hygiene contribute to a strong immune system. Moreover, Valeo health coaches can support you in creating healthy habits within the framework of your lifestyle.
8. Is it safe to get a flu vaccine?
Yes. Flu vaccines are approved by UAE health authorities and administered by trained healthcare professionals. Side effects are usually mild and limited to soreness at the injection site.
9. How long does the flu vaccine take to kick in?
It typically takes about two weeks after your vaccination for your body to build protection, which is why vaccination is recommended early in the flu season.
10. Can I get the flu from the flu vaccine?
No. The flu vaccine contains parts of inactivated or weakened virus that cannot give you influenza, but they give your immune system the boost needed to prepare the body to provide protection.