With warming weather and spring upon us, the flu is no longer of concern for most people. Unfortunately, we’re not out of the woods yet. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Weekly FluView report, while the flu season has likely peaked and is now on the decline, widespread activity continues in many states – especially in the southern and southeastern parts of the country.
Most employers encourage their employees to get the flu shot in the early fall. Experts say that the vaccine should offer protections for up to six months and that those who received shots should still see some benefit. If you didn’t get a shot, the CDC says it’s still not too late. Regardless, it’s important to remain vigilant to try to steer clear of this illness.
Here are tips from the CDC to keep the flu bug at bay:
- 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. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
- 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. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
When regularly practiced, these everyday preventive actions can help slow the spread of germs that can cause many different illnesses and they go a long way to keep people healthy.
