Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. Learn more about seasonal flu vaccines from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention website. Good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu, additional tips include:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Flu vaccines are readily available at Rite Aid and CVS and are covered by most insurance carriers. You must be at least 18yrs of age. Check with your Primary Care Physicians for children under 18. For the latest on Influenza in the United States, visit Flu. Gov.

Note: If you or a family member develops flu-like symptoms with a fever stay home from school or work until the fever is gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications (such as Tylenol, ibuprofen and more). Anyone with additional questions should contact the Concord Health Department at 978-318-3275.