The flu is a serious virus that causes serious complications in the body. Below are 5 key tips that will help you stay flu free during the coming season.
1. Always wash your hands – especially after the bathroom, before you eat, and after you cough or blow your nose.
Rub soap between your hands for a good 20 seconds (a good way to know if you have washed your hands long enough is to sing the ABC’s) and rinse your hands in warm water.
2. Cough into a tissue or cough into your elbow instead of your hands. Cover both your nose and mouth when you cough.
3. Don’t rub your eyes, nose, or mouth – this is how germs spread the fastest.
4. Avoid contact with others who are sick with the flu (because it is very contagious).
5. Get vaccinated. Contact your doctor to get a flu shot. The vaccination is usually available around September.
The symptoms for the flu are:
- runny or stuffy nose
- coughing
- sore throat
- body aches and tiredness
- fever (over 100F/38C)
- headache
- vomiting and diarrhea
Having these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have the flu. Other illnesses can have the same symptoms… like the common cold.
If you develop these flu-like symptoms, visit your doctor especially if you are at high risk for flu complications (people older than 65, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions).
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