Stay Healthy: Tips to Prevent Influenza

According to the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), influenza is an acute contagious viral respiratory disease characterized by fever, cough, sore throat, headache, myalgia (muscle pain), and more. Symptoms and signs differ according to the age of those infected and the most effective way to prevent the influenza is to have an annual vaccination. It is especially important for people at high risk of influenza complications, and for people who live with or care for the people at high risk. Examples of people who are high risk for influenza are are pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy, young children, elderly individuals, individuals with chronic medical conditions and health-care workers.

MR.DIY would like to remind everyone to always stay healthy. Here are some simple tips from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) on how to prevent influenza:

If you have symptoms of fever and cough, seek treatment immediately.
Wash your hands with soap before eating and after going to the toilet.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or towel when coughing or sneezing. Discard used tissue and wash your hands after. Hand sanitizers can also be used.
Reduce exposure to people and avoid meeting friends or relatives in public places.
Wear a facemask when you are out in public. It protects against splashes and sprays from others, such as those from sneezes and coughs.
Avoid sharing personal items such as eating utensils, toothbrushes or towels as well as food and drinks.
Clean and disinfect contaminated floors and desks with nose and mouth fluids. To make a cheap and effective disinfectant, mix up to 3 teaspoons of bleach in 1 gallon of water.