Protect yourself and others this flu season

In the midst of flu season, it’s important to remember to protect yourself (and others).

The Center for Disease Control’s FluView updated Jan. 11, and stated, "Key indicators that track flu activity declined slightly but remain high. Indicators that track severity (hospitalizations and deaths) are not high at this point in the season."

The CDC says that the best way to prevent the flu is by vaccinating, but offers some tips to stay healthy during the season.

www.cdc.gov suggests to:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick, if possible. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Flu and other serious respiratory illnesses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), are spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands.
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.