How to NOT Get the Flu

Its flu season!! That’s why its more important than ever, especially if you have kids around that you know how to keep the flu from circulating around your house and family. We have compiled a list of 3 things that you can do to help keep the flu from getting to you.

Vaccinate!

Let’s start with the one that has been hitting us over the head for the last few years. The flu vaccine. Getting a flu vaccine can be very helpful when trying to avoid getting the flu virus. The most current vaccine will work against H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1.

Those over the age of 6 months should be vaccinated yearly. Those at high risk of developing the flu, such as children, elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic health conditions, diabetes or lung disease should most definitely get the vaccine as well as Health care workers.

Take Caution

Taking precautionary actions in your everyday situations will help to stop the spread of viruses such as the flu.
Some precautions we should all take include the following:
Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough.
Wash your hands often
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and contact with sick people
If you know you have the flu stay at home for at least 24 hours after the fever has subsided to avoid the spread of the virus

Take Medication

Especially if your doctor prescribes it, medicine can be very helpful to treat the flu and can shorten the time you are suffering.

Additionally, you should always work on recognizing the symptoms of the flu, including: fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat,body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea may also occur in some cases. You may also just have the respiratory symptoms but never develop any other symptoms with the flu.