Health

Reducing Your Risk of Flu

The best way to reduce your risk of the flu is to get vaccinated. Healthy habits can decrease the spread of germs and prevent illnesses like the flu.

The following ways are tips to help protect yourself this flu season:

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· Stay home when you are sick.

· Wash your hands.

· Cover your mouth/nose when you cough and sneeze (cover with a tissue is best).

· Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home, work, or school.

Symptoms of the flu:

· Fever (It is important to note that not everyone with the flu will have a fever).

· Cough

· Sore throat

· Muscle or body aches

· Runny or stuffy nose

· Headache

· Fatigue

Handwashing

Washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to decrease the number of bacteria on your hands. It helps you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

Handwashing can prevent about 30% of diarrhea-related sicknesses and about 20% of respiratory infections (e.g., colds)

To properly wash your hands:

· Wet your hands with clean, running water

· Apply soap and lather your hands for at least 20 seconds, including both sides of your hands, between your fingers and your fingernails

· Rinse your hands with clean, running water

· Dry your hands with a clean towel/paper towel, or air dry your hands

When to wash your hands:

Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
Before and after caring for someone who is sick
Before and after treating a wound
After using the restroom
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
After handling pet food or pet treats
After touching garbage/trash

Hand Sanitizer

Is effective in reducing the number of bacteria
Must contain an alcohol content of 60-95% alcohol to be effective
Does not eliminate all types of germs
Are not as effective if your hands are visibly dirty.

References

Handwashing – Clean Hands Save Lives |CDC - cdc.gov/handwashing/

Healthy Habits to Help Prevent Flu|CDC – cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm

When and How to Wash Your Hands|Handwashing|CDC – cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

Page updated

Report abuse