Q&A: Avoiding the flu
| Wellness | Healthy You
My family always gets sick after New Year’s. What can we do to stay healthy this year?
Staying healthy during flu season can be a challenge, but there are a few simple steps to help keep you and your little ones healthy.
Get the flu vaccine.
An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get the flu and spread it to others. If you haven’t received one yet, call your doctor or stop by an area pharmacy to receive a flu shot.
Wash your hands often.
Flu and cold viruses are spread through droplets of infected people who are coughing and sneezing. The viruses infect healthy people when they touch their mouth, eyes, or nose with infected hands. Wash your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds using warm water and soap or an alcohol-based hand rub.
If you do get sick, stay home from work or school to prevent further spread of the illness.
Cover your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and then wash your hands. Do your part to keep yourself and your family protected during this flu season, and remember, if your child is really sick, make sure to get checked out by a physician.
Read more about seasonal flu and what to do.
This health information is provided courtesy of Leda Mae Rabot-Cura, MD.
