Our Best Tips to Avoid the Flu

This article will help you to take a few preventive steps at home and work to avoid coming down with flu this holiday season.

The best way to keep yourself protected from the flu is always to get vaccinated. HealthOne recommends an annual flu shot for everyone ages 6 months and older.

We invite you to come to get the flu vaccine at our Medical Clinic during any of our walk-in hours!

Here are some of our favourite flu season tips.

At Home:

1. 1. 1. 1. Cover your Mouth and Nose
            Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. The flu and other respiratory illnesses are spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands.
      1. 1. Avoid touching your Eyes, Nose, and Mouth
            Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.

       

      1. 1. Wash your Hands
            Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.The flu virus is airborne and enters your body through your respiratory tract or from your hands after you have touched something contaminated with the virus.HealthOne recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and water. If soap and water are unavailable, consider carrying an alcohol-based hand rub with you.

       

      1. Practice Good Health Habits
         Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, exercise regularly, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

At Work

1. 1. 1. 1. Monthly Check-Up
            Check with your office’s staff if an outbreak of flu or another illness has occurred and whether or not flu vaccinations have been offered.

       

      1. 1. Good Supply of Toiletries
            Offer a very good number of tissues, paper towels, hand rubs, and disposable wipes at work to prevent contamination.

       

      1. 1. Disinfecting and Cleaning
            Routinely clean regularly touched objects and surfaces, including doorknobs, keyboards, cubicles to help remove germs.

       

      1. Go Home
         If you start feeling sick while at work, inform someone and go home as soon as possible.
         When possible, stay home from work and avoid doing errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.For further learning about flu vaccine and preventive steps, visit Medical Clinic at HealthOne.ca for consultation. One life. Live inspired.