Getting an annual flu shot is the single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and the potentially serious complications that come with it. There are, however, other measures you can take to help protect yourself and others against the flu. Below are six healthy practices recommended by the CDC to help ensure the safety of you and your loved ones against this illness.
- Avoid close contact.
Avoid close, direct contact with sick people or people displaying flu-like symptoms. If you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick as well.
- Keep your hands clean.
Frequently washing your hands will help protect you from germs and help stop the spread of germs. If anti-bacterial soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based rub or hand sanitizer.
- Stay home when you are sick.
Stay home from school, work, and errands when you are sick to help prevent spreading your illness to others.
- Cover your nose and mouth.
Flu viruses mainly spread by droplets made when people with the flu sneeze, cough, and talk. Therefore, it is important to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent those around you from getting sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
The spread of germs can happen when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, mouth, and nose.
- Practice other good health habits.
Eat nutritious foods, get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink plenty of fluids, and manage your stress. Disinfect and clean frequently touched surfaces at home, work, and school- especially when someone is sick.
If you aren’t feeling well remember your local Health Choice is always happy to help! Our urgent care centers are open every day of the week 8:00 am to 8:00 pm- No appointment necessary! From 8am to 6pm we offer Rapid Antigen and send-out PCR COVID-19 testing, as well as COVID-19 antibody testing. To be seen by a provider, simply walk in, or save your spot online for visits between 8am and 6pm by clicking here! For information on E-registration to save time click here. Telemedicine options are available here. We look forward to helping you Get Better. Faster!
