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With winter among us, there’s one other season that we have to worry about each year: flu season. Some of the simplest ways to stay healthy during these cold months are to practice good health habits, staying home when you aren’t feeling well, getting a flu shot and more. Below are a few tips to help you prepare for flu season.
6 Tips to Prepare for Flu & Cold Season
While the single best way to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications is by getting the flu shot, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and others from the flu:
- Avoid close contact with others who are sick: Avoiding close contact with those who are sick or keeping distance from others when you are sick is an easy way to protect yourself and others from spreading illness.
- Stay home when you are sick: To prevent spreading any illness to others, stay home when you’re feeling sick. Work, family, and other priorities might encourage us to keep going when we are feeling under the weather, but taking the time to rest and staying distant from others can often help you get better faster.
- Cover your mouth and nose: Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or the bend of your arm when sneezing or coughing can prevent those around you from getting sick. Additionally, it can be beneficial to wear a mask when you’re feeling sick and have to go into public, in case you are contagious.
- Wash your hands: Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from germs. The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, and then rinsing in clean, running water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth: Germs are spread primarily by touching things that are contaminated with germs and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. To help avoid catching the flu or another illness this winter, it could be in your best interest to keep your hands away from your face as much as possible.
- Practice other good health habits: Getting plenty of sleep, being physically active and eating well are essential for your overall health, but will also help you stay healthy during flu season. Additionally, staying on top of your preventive care, such as screenings, immunizations, counseling and education are important to prevent or lessen the effects of potentially serious health conditions.
How Population Health Can Help You During Flu Season
Whether it’s finding where you can get a flu shot or connecting you to care coordination services, Population Health is here to help support your health during all seasons. We’re here to simplify healthcare and make sure you have access to the resources and services you need.
