Protect yourself during flu season

15 Oct Protect yourself during flu season

Flu season is here, and it’s time to get vaccinated!  HDH Family Care is providing flu shots Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Along with seasonal influenza vaccination, the Oregon Health Authority recommends these steps to avoid the flu:

Wash your hands
Washing your hands often helps protect you from germs. Use soap and warm water. Wash for 15 to 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You can find these products in most supermarkets and drugstores. If the hand sanitizer is a gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn’t need water to work; the alcohol kills the germs on your hands.

Take everyday precautions

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your arm when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you get sick.
• Clean work and household surfaces often.
• If you have a chronic disease or a weakened immune system, follow your healthcare provider’s advice for your condition.
• Ask your family, friends, and health providers to get a flu vaccination.
• Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.

Quit smoking
People who smoke get the flu more easily and get sicker from the virus. This is also true of people who breathe secondhand smoke, especially children and senior citizens.