PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST FLU THIS SEASON:

The change of season from summer to fall brings cooler temperatures and open windows, warm apple pies and fresh cider, pumpkin patches and hayrides, and the anticipation of the upcoming holidays. While we look forward to this special time of year, we must also be aware of health concerns the season brings. Each year, people of all ages are affected by Influenza, commonly known as the Flu.

The influenza vaccine is your best protection against the flu virus. It not only greatly reduces your risk of contracting the flu, it also offers the following benefits:

• Aides in a milder illness if you do get sick
• Helps protect those with a weaken immune system from becoming seriously ill
• Reduces the chances of more serious outcomes such as hospitalization and/or pneumonia should illness occur

The following Healthy Habits have been established to assist you in decreasing your chances of contracting the Flu during the fall and winter months:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth – germs spread this way
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people
• Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food
• Routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces, including doorknobs, keyboards, and phones
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and discard the tissue after each use
• Seek medical advice quickly if you develop flu symptoms
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine
• Follow public health advice if an outbreak of flu occurs

Seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May. Following the above steps and receiving the flu vaccine early will help to protect you against influenza this season. Be Well!