National Influenza Vaccination Week

It’s that time of year again! No, not the holiday season. Flu season! Flu season is upon us so it is important to be mindful of your health and the health of others over the next few months. December 6th through the 12th is National Influenza Vaccination week so the most responsible precautionary measure you can take recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is to get vaccinated. Although the vaccination may lead to minor illness such as a cold, it will prevent the vaccinated individual from contracting the much more serious illness that is, influenza. You can visit your local drugstore, primary physician, or even an urgent care clinic near you to get vaccinated.

Although the flu vaccine can be very useful in helping to prevent serious illness, it is not the only preventative measure that can be taken to help keep you healthy during these weary winter months. There are smart, healthful habits that you can practice every day to combat the spread of germs and contraction of an illness.

It is important to keep your distance from sick people. Some people may have difficulty doing this with loved ones and significant others, but be strong, do it anyway because it is important! Same goes for if you’re sick–limit your contact with others so you do not spread germs and infect others.

Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. The importance of covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing cannot be stressed enough. Always use a tissue if available. If one is not, you should still be mindful of your surrounding by coughing or sneezing into your shirt or the bend in your elbow.

Wash your hands. We have had this tip drilled into our heads since we were children. It is so simple yet so important. Wash your hands and wash them often. If you’re worried about drying out your skin carry a travel sized hand lotion with you.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. This is the fastest way to spread germs and spread a virus. If absolutely necessary, wash your hands before and after touching those areas to avoid getting sick.

Disinfect all your surfaces. Coming in contact with unfamiliar surfaces is a surefire way to catch a virus. You never know who has touched, sneezed, or coughed on those surfaces in your absence. If your in a public place and don’t have access to any disinfecting wipes, do your best to avoid touching any suspicious surfaces without gloves.

Crack open a window every now and again. People tend to avoid opening their windows during the winter because of the cold weather. This can make homes stuffy and actually help germs thrives. When you leave your home in the morning crack a couple of windows to let some fresh air circulate while you’re out–they don’t have to be wide up, just open them a crack so the fresh air can seep in. When you get home you can close them and it won’t be too long for your house to warm back up.