It’s flu season, and if the pile of used tissues on your coworker’s desk makes you worried about getting sick, you are not alone. Now is the time to take action to fight against germs that make you and your family sick! Here are some useful guidelines to follow to prevent the spread of cold and flu germs this flu season!

Get a flu shot!

Getting a flu shot is the single best way to prevent the flu. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the strains of influenza that research indicates will be predominant during the coming season. Everyone over the age of six months should be vaccinated for the flu. Why? People with stronger immune systems will feel horrible for two weeks, but more importantly the flu can be deadly for people with weak immune systems such as infants, adults over 50, and pregnant women. Flu season starts in October or November but getting the shot late is better than not getting it at all since the season can last until March or April.

Wash your hands.

The flu shot will protect you from the flu, but it won’t protect you from a head cold. Washing your hands is the best way to prevent the spreading of both cold and flu germs. Once germs are on your hands, they enter your body when you touch your eyes and mouth. To thoroughly wash your hands, scrub with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before you eat or prepare a meal and after using the bathroom or changing a diaper. If you don’t have a sink available, using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is the next best thing.

Cover your nose and mouth.

If you do end up with the flu or a cold, please be considerate and try not to spread it to other people. Cough and sneeze into a tissue, then promptly throw it away. If no tissue is available, don’t use your hands to cover your mouth. You’ll just spread germs on the next thing you touch. Instead cough into the crook of your elbow.

Disinfect and use disposables.

If someone in your family is sick, you don’t have to spray disinfectant on every surface of your home. Just make sure you get the high traffic areas and commonly used items like computers, phones, doorknobs, and TV remotes. Also, beware that cold and flu germs can stick to fabrics, so switch out your hand towels and dishrags for paper towels for a couple of weeks.

Keep your distance.

If possible, stay away from people who are sick. If you can’t because the person who is sick just happens to be a member of your family, amp up your hand washing and germ spreading defenses.

If you are the one who is sick, please stay home. A cold or the flu may not be such a big deal to you, but if you spread it to someone with a weak immune system, it could be disastrous. Also, working while you are sick will only make it harder for you to recover. So, do yourself a favor and take a couple days off.

EliteCare provides comprehensive primary care for your entire family right here in Guntown, MS. If you’re not feeling well or if you need a flu vaccination, call us at (662) 348-3342 or click here to make an appointment!