Yes, you still need to get your annual flu shot. But there are other ways you can stop the spread of germs this flu season.
It’s October, which means if you haven’t already, it’s time to get your flu shot. After last year’s flu season that left many hospitalized and even became fatal, there’s no excuse for putting your health at risk this year.
There are other ways you can protect yourself and have a healthy flu season even though you have been vaccinated.
Wash Your Hands
You use your hands to do daily, mindless tasks such as sending emails, calling your best friend, holding the door open for the person behind you: all tasks that require you to touch surfaces that don’t get cleaned quite often.
Do your part by at least keeping your hands clean and almost germ-free by practicing frequent hand-washing. Some cases where you might want to wash your hands include to:
Cover Your Mouth
Germs travel when you cough and sneeze. When you feel a cough or a sneeze coming on, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into the crook of your elbow if a tissue is not available.
Stay Home & Limit Contact with Sick People
You may be thinking you can’t afford to take days away from the office, but bed-rest will make you feel better and your coworkers will thank you. If you or someone in your family does get the flu, take these steps to avoid the spread of the flu in your household:
- Keep the sick person at hone
- Limit close contact with the sick person
- Adjust sleeping arrangements
You should also avoid sharing items such as, towels and washcloths, eating utensils, cups, and keep children from sharing toys.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Flu germs can thrive on hard surfaces for hours, which makes it so easy to pick up flu germs without realizing. You can easily get infected by touching your phone, doorknobs, and light switches, and then rubbing your eyes or biting your nails. Learning to keep your hands away from your face can be difficult at first, but it’ll help in the long run.
Give Your Home A Thorough Cleaning
With flu germs lurking on items you touch daily, some hot spots in your home you should consider sanitizing include:
- Kitchen countertops and tables
- Home desks
- Floors
- Toilets
- Doorknobs
Vaccination is the most important thing you can do to prevent the spread flu germs. Practicing good hygiene can also go a long way, too. If someone in your house happens to get the flu, AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield provides treatment for acute illnesses to help you get better, sooner. Call us today for more information.