Flu do’s and other health maintenance tips

1. Get vaccinated as recommended by your physician.There will ba at least 2 vaccines for the flu. One for the seasonal and one for H1N1 (Swine flu). Make sure to get both. Also ask your physician about getting the pneumonia vaccine.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
3. Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue and discard the tissue immediately. If no tissue is available, use your sleeve or the crook of your elbow.
4. Try to avoid close contact (less than 6 feet) with sick people.
5. Use antiseptic cleaners on surfaces at home and work, cold and flu viruses can live on them for 2 hours or longer.
6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands, viruses spread this way.
7. Eat right, get enough sleep, reduce stress, take your medications as ordered and always practice safe sex. Maintaining a healthy lifestye helps your immune system become stronger.
8. If you think you caught the flu, call your physician immeiately. Antivirals need to be started within 24-48 hours.

Tammy Starling, RN, ADON