flu shotWe’ve all heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” While it certainly isn’t easy avoiding getting sick, especially if your kids and office colleagues are ill, there are some preventative measures you can take to lessen your chances of contracting a cold or influenza.

The single most important thing you can do to protect yourself against influenza is making sure you schedule a yearly vaccine. Influenza is a highly contagious, serious disease which can lead to complications requiring hospitalization or even death. For this reason the Centers for Disease and Control recommends everyone under the age of 6 months receive a flu shot, especially those people who may be at high risk for flu-related complications. High risk people include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older. It is also recommended health care workers and care givers be vaccinated as they could potentially pass on the flu to high risk people they come in contact with daily.

Other simple steps can be taken to protect against colds and flu:

  • Cover your sneeze and cough. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and discard the tissue after use.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently. If soap and water are not available use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wipes.
  • Avoid touching mucous membranes like your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs easily spread this way.
  • If you think you have the flu, stay home and avoid contact with other people until 24 hours after your fever has gone.
  • Get plenty of rest. Eight hours of sleep per day helps your body rejuvenate and is a natural defense against illness.
  • Drink plenty of water. Water keeps the body hydrated, maintains good digestion, fights fatigue, and helps flush the system.
  • Maintain a healthy, nutritious diet and get plenty of exercise.

For more information on influenza visit the Bermuda Hospitals Board website or the Centers for Disease Control website.

Remember: the last thing you will want to do when you are feeling miserably sick is go to the store to buy medication, or other soothing home remedies, so make sure you are stocked up before cold and flu season starts.

 

 

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