The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but other good health habits can help stop the spread of germs and prevent illness as well. Check out these six quick tips to protecting yourself and others from the flu and help stop the spread of germs.
- Stay home when you are sick.
Whenever possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others. - Cover your mouth.
Flu and other serious respiratory illnesses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and whooping cough, are spread by coughing, sneezing, and unclean hands. Be sure to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. - Clean your hands.
Although it’s impossible to keep your hands germ-free, washing your hands frequently will limit the spread of bacteria, viruses, and more. If soap and water aren’t available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a great alternative. - Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick, including those who live with you. When you are sick, be sure to keep your distance to protect others from getting sick as well. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
As you touch people, surfaces, and other objects throughout the day, you accumulate germs on your hands. You can infect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, or spread them to others. - Practice other good habits.
Clean and disinfect frequently touch surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Other good habits to practice include getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food. All of this will help in the fight against the flu.
There are also flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu. Call LCHC Medical Clinic at (641) 774-8103 if you or a loved one is ill and needs to be seen by a provider.