A Nurse's Tips for Avoiding the Flu
I am a family practice registered nurse with almost a decade of experience and love my job! I have experience in the critical care setting for the CCU and ICU but have finally found my home working in a wonderful private practice treating families of all ages. I enjoy writing and sharing health advice online so please follow... more
It's true. The best way to prevent the flu is simply to get the vaccine every year. However, good health habits, such as covering your mouth when coughing and washing your hands can prevent the spread of germs and illnesses like the flu. Also, there are several flu antiviral drugs you can use to treat and prevent it. These tips will help you learn the best ways to prevent yourself and others from developing the flu and help stop the spread of germs at home, work, and in school.
1. Avoid close contact
One of the best ways is to avoid close contact with people who are sick. And, when you're sick, try your best to keep your distance from others to prevent them from getting sick as well.
2. Stay home when you're sick
Whenever possible, stay home from work, schools, and even the grocery story when you're sick. Staying home will help prevent spreading your illness to other people.
3. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
When you need to cough or sneeze, do your best to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or even your arm. This may prevent anyone around you from getting sick. The flu and other illnesses, like whooping cough, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), are usually spread by coughing, sneezing, and unwashed hands.
4. Wash your hands!
Yes, yes, you probably heard this way too many times already. However, washing your hands will help protect you from germs. If there's no soap and water are available, use an alcohol-based wash that'll kill the germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Germs are spread when someone touches something that's contaminated with germs and then touches their eyes, nose, and/or mouth.
6. Practice other healthy habits
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces at home, work, or school, is very important, especially when someone is ill. Also, get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink fluids, and eat a healthy diet.
