Dameron Hospital | Health Outlook | Winter 2019

Flu season is here … are you ready? 14 HEALTH OUTLOOK In addition to getting your flu shot, there are other precautions you can take to help limit the spread of flu. Keep these basic tips in mind: ▸ ▸ Avoid close contact. Stay away from people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. ▸ ▸ Stay at home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. ▸ ▸ Cover your mouth and nose. Use a tissue when coughing or sneezing. ▸ ▸ Wash your hands. Cleaning your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. ▸ ▸ Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. ▸ ▸ Practice other healthy habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food. ▸ ▸ Know when to return to work. Stay home until you are fever-free for a minimum of 24 hours. Keep in mind that acetaminophen and ibuprofen can mask a fever. from being a nuisance, the flu (also called influenza or the influenza virus) can be a severe and sometimes life-threatening disease. Everyone talks about getting the flu, but do you really know how to recognize seasonal flu and what to do about it? Preventive measures you can take to limit the spread of flu Protect yourself and others WINTER is here—and with it comes the cold and flu season. Cold and flu spread more easily in the winter months because the viruses thrive in colder, less humid environments. Apart