Protecting Yourself from the Flu

The winter months are fast approaching and that means one thing, flu season. Every year doctors and public health officials urge people to receive their yearly flu vaccine to prevent against the sometimes deadly illness, but are those vaccines really as important as doctors make them out to be? Doctors and public health officials say yes.

Many people forget that the flu can be extremely dangerous, so it’s important to protect yourself before you become infected. It is recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated to protect against the flu. Flu shots can be attained at your family doctor, and are also available at many local drug stores.

If you think you may have the flu, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the aid of a fever-reducing medicine. This will prevent the spreading of the disease. If you are caring for someone who may be infected with the flu, talk to your doctor about preventive antiviral medications and prevention tips.

Everyday steps you can take to prevent the flu:
 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people

• Get plenty of sleep and exercise
• Manage your stress
• Drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze