Flu and Cold Season Tips

It is flu and cold season so be sure to protect yourself and your
loved ones. 

• Wash your hands frequently. Since your hands are the most common vehicle for carrying germs into your body, you should scrub vigorously with soap and water for 10-15 seconds to keep them as germ-free as possible. Wash after using the bathroom, before handling food, before eating, and any other time you think you might have picked up germs.
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth. You can't keep all the germs off your hands all the time. So, keep your hands away from germs' most common entryways into the body.
• Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Don't spread your germs to others by coughing or sneezing in your hands.
• Avoid close contact.  When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick.  You should also avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.  If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick to prevent others from getting sick.
• Practice other good health habits.  Get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious foods, manage your stress, and be physically active.

Click HERE for flu activity updates as of February 7, 2008.