Stay Well During Flu Season
There are things individuals can do to stay well when flu and cold season ramps up this time of year. Here are five proactive, simple suggestions for keeping healthy and preventing the spread of illness.
1. Get a Flu Shot
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people six months of age and older be vaccinated. Even if one strain of the flu virus has mutated from the strain used in the vaccine, the flu vaccine will still offer protection and could reduce the severity of flu symptoms. Flu shots are available at Baptist Medical Group practices.
2. Cover Your Cough
Practice good manners and cover your cough or sneeze. Coughing and sneezing can project germs from three to 12 feet on surfaces or people around you. Cover your mouth when you cough. Sneeze into your elbow or sleeve so it does not project onto surfaces or others around you.
3. Wash Your Hands
Germs are everywhere, and they can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours or more. Take the time to properly wash your hands to prevent spreading an infection. Wash your hands with warm water, first rinsing hands with water and then applying antibacterial soap. Be sure to lather hands, wrists, fingers and scrub under fingernails. Clean your hands for 20 seconds before rinsing them with clean water. Dry them completely with a clean towel.
4. Stay Home When Sick
If you have fever, which is considered a temperature of anything above 100.4 degrees, stay home for at least 24 hours until after the fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medications. Staying home decreases the risk of spreading the infection.
5. Make Healthy Choices
Prepare your body to fight off common colds or the flu. Keep your immune system strong by eating healthy food, staying active and obtaining plenty of rest. Talk to your doctor about other ways to boost immunity.
If the above tips aren’t enough and you’re not feeling well, then seek care. If you or your family member has a fever greater than 100, muscle aches, chills and extreme fatigue, visit EasySchedule.com to make an appointment with a Baptist Medical Group physician, find a nearby Baptist Urgent Care or locate a Baptist same day clinic.
