Stay healthy this flu season by following these tips from Saint Mary's Infection Preventionist
Once the leaves fall and the air chills, it’s clear that flu season is upon us and it is usually here to stay for a few months. All is not lost though! There are many steps you can take to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses like Influenza (Flu). Keep in mind that while respiratory viruses spread year-round, activity peaks during the winter months, most often from November through March.
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands is a simple way to protect yourself, and is highly effective. We often forget how many chances there are to wash our hands in a day. Here are a few recommended times from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control):
- Before and after making food
- Before and after eating
- After using the bathroom
- After coughing, sneezing, or touching your face
If you can’t get to a sink, consider hand sanitizer. You can carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you during the day to stay extra safe. If your hands are visibly dirty, you will need to wash with soap and water.
Stay Up to Date on Vaccines
More vaccines are invented every year to help protect us against disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you qualify for the following respiratory vaccines:
- Influenza vaccine – recommended annually.
- COVID vaccine – recommended annually, 2 doses for those over 65.
- RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine – recommended one time for older adults.
- Pneumonia vaccine – check with your doctor to make sure you’ve had a complete series!
Avoid Illness by Avoiding Crowds
Crowded spaces and public places are breeding grounds for infecting bacteria and viruses. You can help stay safe by making trips to the store during less busy times and avoiding crowded events. If you can’t avoid groups or crowds, wearing a facemask while in crowds can help protect you and others from diseases.
Clean High Touch Surfaces
Think about all the things you touch in a day. Have you ever cleaned your phone? What about your doorknobs? We touch hundreds of surfaces a day. How clean are those surfaces? The colder season is a great time to make sure your high-touch surfaces in the home are cleaner, and safer, for everyone.
Safety is Key
You can’t avoid all illnesses every time, but with these strategies, you can help keep yourself and your friends safer. Keep an eye out for more information from the CDC and your doctor, and stay safe this flu season by making simple but smart decisions!