The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages all persons age six months and older to obtain an annual flu vaccine. Influenza vaccine is available seasonally to residents through their local health-care providers, local pharmacies, and big box stores. It is advisable to check with your health care provider or pharmacy in advance to find out if the immunization is covered by your medical insurance policy.
Information regarding influenza can be found at www.cdc.gov/Flu/Season/Index. CDC recommends a three-pronged approach to fighting flu: get vaccinated, take antiviral medications to treat flu illness if your doctor prescribes them, and take everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, including:
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you or your child gets sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you (or your child) stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
- If an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs, follow public health advice. This may include information about how to increase distance between people