Flu Prevention

As the media brings headlines of a "flu pandemic" or vaccine shortages every day, you may begin to wonder if you need to be worried about yourself or your family. There are things you can do to prevent the flu. Read on to learn more about the things you can do to stay healthy this flu season.

How Germs Spread

Illnesses like the flu (influenza) and colds are caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu and colds usually spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs can live for a long time (some can live for 2 hours or more) on surfaces like doorknobs, desks, phones, computer key boards and tables.

How to Stay Healthy

It may sound just like the advice your mom gave you when you were a kid, but it turns out she was right. Research has shown that some very basic good health and hygiene habits can keep the germs away and keep you healthy through the cold and flu season.

• Wash your hands often. Using soap and hot water, wash your hands several times each day - before meals, after being in a crowded place such as a shopping mall or grocery store, when you come home from work or school, after being around anyone who was ill. Wash for 15 to 20 seconds. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using a gel, rub the gel in your hands until they are dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in the gel kills germs that cause colds and the flu.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Since germs are often spread when you touch a contaminated surface and later rub your eyes or nose, it makes sense to keep your hands away from your face. Try to be aware of how often you do this and use it as a reminder to keep your hands clean.
• Get plenty of rest. Scientific studies continue to prove that our immune system needs time to regenerate; and it does this most effectively while we sleep. Getting at least an average of 7 hours per night is recommended. Turn off the 11pm news and go to bed earlier.
• Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of fluids. Maintaining a nutritious diet and drinking plenty of water also helps to keep your immune system strong and able to fight off illness. Some studies suggest that eating foods high in antioxidants such as oranges, blueberries, strawberries and other brightly colored foods can be particularly helpful.
• Exercise. Getting regular exercise helps keep your immune system strong. It also helps your body manage stress more effectively and can help you sleep better - all things that interact to keep your immune system healthy.
• Avoid crowded places. If you know there is an outbreak of influenze in your community, stay at home. Shopping malls are great places to catch a virus because of common eating areas and escalator handrails that cannot be sanitized throughout the day. If you must be in a crowded area, sanitize your hands (especially your children's hands) often. See "Additional Information" below to keep track of where flu outbreaks occur.

If you do get sick.....

If you do get sick, try not to spread your germs. More time and productivity at work and at school are lost when people come in sick then if they just stayed at home for a day or two and recouperated. Follow these guidelines to avoid infecting your friends, family and co-workers:

• Stay home. This is not the time to be "super-parent" or win the perfect attendance award at work. The flu can cause complications like pneumonia if not taken seriously, and it is highly contagious.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away. Cover your cough or sneeze with your hand or sleeve if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
• Call your doctor early. There are anti-viral medications that can help lessen the symptoms and duration of the flu - but you have to start them early in the illness. If you suspect that you may have the flu, call your doctor immediately and discuss the possibilities.
• Rest, drink fluids, and rest.

Symptoms of the Flu

How do you know if it is really the flu or just a bad cold? Flu symptoms usually begin in full force much more quickly than the common cold - people sometimes describe it as "coming out of nowhere". The most common symptoms include:

• fever (usually high)
• headache
• extreme tiredness
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle aches, and
• nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, (much more common among children than adults).

Additional Information

FluStar Keep track of where there are outbreaks in the United States and learn more about treatments and symptoms at this informative site.

American Lung Association Includes a search engine to help find flu vaccine near your home or office.

Canadian Lung Association Includes information in French and English about the flu in Canada.

Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and WHO

This is for general informational purposes only and it is not intended to provide anyone with specific advice or recommendation. This is not a substitute for advice from an appropriate professional. If you feel you need further help, we strongly suggest you seek assistance from an appropriate professional.

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