Public Health Reminder: Prevent the Flu from Getting to You

PUBLIC HEALTH REMINDER

PREVENT THE FLU FROM GETTING YOU

Everyone has heard by now that the seasonal flu has arrived early and it looks like it is going to be pretty severe.  Just a few reminders on how the flu is passed from person to person and some ways you can prevent it. 

1.  IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO VACCINATE:  The flu shot will hopefully help keep the flu away or at the very least it will help you get a less severe case.  The flu shot is safe for anyone 6 months and over with very few exceptions.

2.  WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE TOUCHING YOUR FACE:  The flu is spread by droplets.  If your hands get the virus on them you will infect yourself by bringing your hand to your face without washing.  Simple way to avoid the flu is to wash, wash, wash…

3.  STAY AT LEAST 3 FT AWAY FROM ANYONE COUGHING:  Most droplets from the flu will not carry more than 3ft from an uncovered mouth.  Just be aware.

4.  WASH FREQUENTLY TOUCHED SURFACES:  No special cleaner is needed.  Things like doorknobs, computers, phones, elevator buttons refrigerator handles etc. can be contaminated with flu (washing hands will take care of this one too).  Most flu virus will be dead on surfaces between 2-8 hours. 

IF YOU ARE UNLUCKY AND GET THE FLU

1.  WHAT TO EXPECT:  The flu usually comes on suddenly and really knocks you down.  Expect a temperature, cough, sore throat, body aches sometimes with headache, no appetite and occasionally diarrhea.  It is mostly a respiratory illness.

2.  REST, FLUIDS, FEVER REDUCER:  Most of the remedies for the flu involve taking care of yourself and time.  If you catch it in the first couple of days, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications.  These can not cure the flu, but they may decrease the severity so that you might recover quicker.

3.  STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK:  You will do no one any good by going to work or school when you have the flu.  First, you will infect others.  Second, you can not concentrate or do anything well when you are sick with the flu.  Third, you are likely to relapse or feel worse if you try to do too much too soon.  Rule of thumb:  If you have had no fever for 24 hours without medicine like Advil or Tylenol then it is safe for you to go back to work or school.  You still have to be careful and COVER YOUR COUGH WITH YOUR SLEEVE just in case there is some active virus left in you…