Flu season is upon us. Public Health Solutions would like to remind everyone to take the steps necessary to help prevent influenza and keep your family healthy:
- Get a flu shot each year. Everyone age 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccination yearly. Flu shots and FluMist (the nasal application) are extremely safe and the best way to protect yourself from getting the flu.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for information on what to do if you become sick with the flu: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm
