Flu Season Is Here; The Vaccine Is Not!

What can we do to keep ourselves, our families, and our co-workers healthy? Remembering to practice healthy behaviors can help us avoid contracting influenza.

The most important thing to remember: IF YOU ARE SHOWING SYMPTOMS OF THE FLU, STAY HOME. If you do wind up contracting the flu despite preventative measures, don't put your co-workers and their families at risk. Stay home, rest, and take the time needed to get well.

Learn how to recognize the flu. It is important to recognize the difference between the flu and other common ailments. Flu symptoms include:

• High fever, head and muscle aches;
• Extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat;
• Runny or stuffy nose; and
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Practice good respiratory hygiene. A primary way the flu spreads from person to person is through coughing and sneezing. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Discard this tissue in the trash after every use. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve instead of your hands.

Keep your hands clean. Be vigilant about washing your hands often during the day. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water for at least 15-to-20 seconds. When soap isn't available, use alcohol-based hand wipes or gel sanitizers as a substitute.

Germs are most often spread when a person touches something that is already contaminated with germs, and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs can live for a long time (up to 2 hours or more) on surfaces like doorknobs, desks, and tables. Again, hand washing can minimize your risk of exposure to germs.

Eat, drink, and be healthy. Maintain a well-balanced diet and be sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Enhance the beneficial effects of a healthy diet by increasing your Vitamin C intake.

Don't stress out. If your stress levels are high, your body is more susceptible to illness. To combat stress, get plenty of rest and try to exercise regularly. Additionally, make an effort to step outside for some fresh air during existing scheduled daily work breaks.