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Flu prevention

GEHA | November 19, 2018

Health and wellness Immunization
Prevent yourself and your loved ones from getting the flu this winter.

Flu season has arrived! Take these steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting the flu and help stop the spread of germs.

  1. Get a flu vaccine. This is the most important step of protection. Everyone six months old and older should get a flu shot. It is especially important for high risk persons – young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart or lung disease, and people 65 years and older.

  2. Avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

  3. If possible, stay home from work, school or errands when you are sick.

  4. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw away the tissue.

  5. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

  6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

  7. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.

The most common symptoms of the flu are body aches, fever, headaches, chills and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with others, except to get medical care.


Sources:

CDC.gov, “Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs.” CDC.org, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, 20 July 2018.
CDC.gov, “CDC Says ‘Take 3’ Actions to Fight the Flu.” CDC.org, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, 1 August 2018.