PREVENTING THE FLU: ADVICE FROM THE CDC
THE CENTERS FOR Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) offers a great deal of information about the flu, how to prevent it, and what to do if you get it. First, it recommends an annual flu vaccine as the most important step. The flu virus mutates, and each year the vaccines change to address the new strains.
The CDC also offers a list of everyday actions to take to prevent the spread of germs:
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• If you are sick with flu symptoms, stay home for at least twenty-four hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for twenty-four hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.