28/10/2025
💉 The Single Best Way: Get Vaccinated
* Annual Flu Shot: The most effective way to protect yourself and others is to get a flu vaccine every year.
* It's recommended for almost everyone 6 months and older.
* Ideally, get it before flu activity begins in your community (often in September or October), but getting it later can still be beneficial.
* The vaccine is updated annually to protect against the virus strains expected to be most common.
🧼 Everyday Preventive Actions (Stop the Spread of Germs)
* Hand Hygiene:
* Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
* Use an ** alcohol-based hand sanitizer** (at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available.
* Avoid Touching Your Face: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as germs can easily enter your body this way.
* Respiratory Etiquette:
* Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash immediately.
* If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
* Clean Surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, keyboards, and phones.
😷 Avoid Contact and Stay Home When Sick
* Avoid Close Contact: Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and avoid large crowds during peak flu season.
* Stay Home When Ill: If you have flu symptoms (like a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches), stay home from work, school, and errands.
* You should stay home until you've been fever-free for at least 24 hours (without using fever-reducing medication) and your symptoms are getting better overall.
* Consider Wearing a Mask: A mask can be an additional prevention strategy to protect yourself and others, especially if you have symptoms and must be around other people.
💪 Boost Your Body's Resistance
* Get Enough Sleep: Sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Aim for 7-9 hours.
* Eat a Healthy Diet: Consume nutritious food, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, to support your immune system.
* Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
* Be Physically Active: Regular exercise helps boost your immunity.
* Manage Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact immune function.