Cold and flu season is just around the corner. The CDC recommends three preventive steps to stay ahead of getting sick. These include:
Getting a Flu Vaccine
- A yearly flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Flu vaccines help to reduce the number of illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths each year.
- This season, all flu vaccines will be designed to protect against the four most common flu virus strains. Everyone 6 months and older can get an annual flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October.
- Vaccination of people at higher risk of developing serious flu complications is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness. Children younger than 6 months are too young to be vaccinated and are at higher risk of serious flu illness so it is suggested that people who are around or care for infants should be vaccinated instead.
Everyday Prevention Steps
- Practice good self-care – eating nutritious meals, staying active, getting adequate rest, and drinking plenty of water are beneficial steps to staying healthy.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you get sick, limit contact with others as much as possible. If you have the flu, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes by covering your nose and mouth with a tissue rather than your hands.
- Keep your hands clean by washing them 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 as germs are more easily spread this way.
- Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses or bacteria.
By taking these preventive actions and getting your flu vaccine, you are doing your part in preventing the spread of illnesses like the flu. For more information, please visit
CDC.gov or ask your health care provider what steps may be best for you.
By , Coach Sarah