The CDC says flu season has finally arrived after the lates start in three decades. The Red Cross provides tips for you to be prepared against the flu bug.
What should I do to avoid getting sick?
❏ Always practice good health habits to maintain your body’s resistance to infection.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Exercise daily.
• Manage stress.
• Get enough rest and sleep.
❏ Take these common sense steps to stop the spread of germs:
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid or minimize contact with people who are sick (a minimum three feet distancing is recommended).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissues when you cough and sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
• Stay away from others as much as possible when you are sick.
❏ Anyone with a fever or other symptoms of the flu should stay home from work or school until at least 24 hours after the fever
has gone (without medications).
❏ Get a flu shot every year. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to minimize illness and death.Two shots will be needed for the 2009 flu season – one for seasonal flu and one for H1N1 flu.
For more information, visit http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/SeasonalFluChecklist.pdf
