Most of us have experienced the flu at some time or another. We recognize it from the feelings of stuffy noses, weak and sore muscles, fevers, headaches and sometimes vomiting . It can take anywhere from a week to several weeks to overcome a severe bout of influenza.
While we recover -- indeed before we may even know we have it -- we may be giving it to others.
The etiquette surrounding the flu is not always adhered to. But here are some reasons why we need to be really careful not to pass on an unwelcome gift in the season of giving.
Etiquette expert Anna Post of the Emily Post Institute gives us some great advice on making smart decisions during the flu season. She advises that flu is contagious from up to six feet away, and even actions like speaking can spread it from several feet.
Going to holiday parties when ill and having to cancel at the last minute is far more polite than it is rude. We never know who is pregnant, who has a compromised immune system from various conditions, or if there will be elderly or infants at the party.
She says it's also a good idea to cancel a party, no matter how far the planning went. Risking the health of others to throw your annual bash isn't okay, no matter how disappointing it may be for you or others.
Sharing foods, glasses (or the hilarious "double dipping" that George Costanza was found guilty of in an episode of Seinfeld) or even passing gifts when ill, are good ways to pass on germs.
Recently on a very long trip, I washed down my tray, seat handles, seat belt and the remote control with sanitizing wipes. I got a few looks from some and a couple of chuckles from others.
But I have a compromised immune system so this is something I do anytime I travel, as well as stay well away from the blankets and pillows that look clean but are often unwashed from several flights despite being wrapped in plastic, giving the impression that they are healthy to use.
I can't take chances others may be able to!
Asking obviously ill seat mates to cover their coughs can be a bit awkward but not impolite, says Anna Post, and we should provide the same courtesy ourselves.
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases wrote some flu facts recently that are worth noting. After a 1000 person survey taken in August of 2013, they gave credit to the number of Americans who are aware of the symptoms and dangers of the flu but are lacking in a couple of areas.
According the Foundation " A new study found that while most U.S. adults understand flu is serious (93%) and highly contagious (87%) and know the importance of annual flu vaccination (66%), only one-fourth (27%) would call a doctor for advice when someone in the household has the flu." (2)
It might be worth acknowledging that since so many are aware of how serious the flu is, they may have read up on what to do when someone at home has the flu and don't feel the need to call a doctor.
But there are other ways Americans aren't quite up to par with their flu knowledge.
About 41 percent of us aren't aware that we can spread the flu before we feel any symptoms ourselves.
Many of us believe that antibiotics or even the flu shot can treat the flu. In fact, antibiotics cannot treat viruses, they treat bacterial infections. And the flu shot helps to prevent the flu, not treat it.
The majority of Americans are unaware that there are medicines one can take once the flu starts (like antivirals Tamiflu and Relenza) that can speed up recovery. The sooner you take them, the better they work.
What flu recovery really needs is time, rest, lots of fluids and very nutritious food.
Engaging with others or showing up for work endangers those around you. Time at home is far safer, although for those without sick pay, this can be difficult. However, your co-workers will thank you for it.
A day or two at home when sick will get a person back to work sooner than ignoring symptoms and possibly having the flu for longer than anticipated.
In general, hand washing, the flu shot, good food and exercise, sanitizing public objects like shopping carts and fleeing from anyone with the flu, form your best defense against an illness that causes so many deaths and hospital visits every year. And those around you will be thankful!
Sources:
1. The Huffington Post. Black Voices. "Flu Etiquette Rules To Party By". By Anna Post. Web. Retrieved December 15th, 2013.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/29/flu-etiquette-party-season_n_11...
2. National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. "NEW NATIONAL SURVEY: MANY UNDERSTAND IMPORTANCE OF ANNUAL FLU VACCINATION, BUT MISPERCEPTIONS HINDER FLU PREVENTION & TREATMENT EFFORTS. Web. Retrieved December 15th, 2013. "
http://www.multivu.com/mnr/64092-nfid-urges-public-to-protect-themselves...
Reviewed December 16, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith