Flu Prevention Tips

Flu season typically runs from November through March. If you have ever experienced the Flu yourself or had to treat a family member that had it, then you know that it is not a pleasant experience. Put your efforts into preventing it so that you do not have to go through it during the season.

Prevention starts with good hygiene. Flu germs thrive on commonly touched items like door knobs, faucet handles, telephone receivers, computer keyboards, and many other items. When you are sick you cough or sneeze into your hand and then you touch things, this is one way that the flu is spread. Keep hand sanitizer with you at all times and give each member of your family a small bottle to bring to school or work too.

Speaking of work, place larger bottles of hand sanitizer around your office, the break room, and the rest rooms. Some companies have automatic dispensers that are wall mounted so that no one actually has to touch the unit.

Keeping yourself well hydrated will also help you avoid the flu. When you are well hydrated you will notice that your urine is almost clear. The darker it is the more de-hydrated you are. It's a good way to tell if you need to drink more water.

Another way to help prevent getting the flu is by keeping your house well ventilated. When air is trapped it means any viruses or germs are trapped too. Open the windows and air out the house. The office is harder to do since most offices have stationary windows. This is why people should stay home if they are sick so that they do not spread it around to other employees. Imagine you are taking a flight to Europe and some of the travelers have the flu. You will be trapped inside a tight space with re-circulated air that is laden with germs and bacteria. Getting sick after taking a flight is more common than people think.

Of course, getting the flu vaccine plays an important part in preventing the flu. While it will not guarantee that you do not get it, it will give you a better chance. The vaccine is made up of past flu viruses. The flu that comes out might be a new strain or an altered strain so it might not be as effective. It is highly recommended that the elderly, the young, and anyone with an impaired immune system get the vaccine when it is available.

If you do get the flu then use common sense. Stay home from work or school. Stay away from crowded places. Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, keep your plates, glasses, and utensils separate from your families and get plenty of rest.