Ways To Minimize Risk

With flu season here, prevention is your best defense against the fever, body aches, and cough that the virus can bring on. Try the following:

1. Wash your hands, especially when you’re out in public places, with hot water and soap. When you travel, it’s a good idea to carry one of the natural antimicrobial sprays with you. If this is not an option, the alcohol-based products will also help minimize the spreading of germs.
2. Get a flu shot. This is especially important for those over 65 years old, as well as anyone with a weakened immune or respiratory system, nursing home residents, and health care workers who have regular contact with patients. Pregnant women whose last two trimesters fall during flu season (generally November to April) might consider getting the shot as well.
3. Avoid contact with people who have respiratory illnesses. Airborne droplets from sneezes and coughs are what spread the influenza virus from person to person.
4. Minimize the spread of germs by avoiding touching your hands to your face or your eyes. Get in the habit of bumping elbows with others this time of year rather than shaking hands.
5. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Better to use your inner elbow rather than your hands when you cough or sneeze as well. Throw the tissue in the trash after using it and wash your hands thoroughly.
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