Avoiding Influenza
Sharon Griffin, Health Educator
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 200,000 people hospitalized and 36,000 people who die from complications of influenza each year. Influenza is typically spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes and the infected droplets inhaled. It can also be transmitted through the contact with any contaminated surfaces as well as through close contacts such as handshakes. The best prevention against influenza illness is to receive the annual flu vaccination. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for all Americans 6 months of age and older.
Good health habits should also be practiced to prevent the spread of influenza.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, particularly after coughing and sneezing and after touching public phones, ATMS, handling money, etc. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
- Practice good hygiene etiquette, especially when coughing or sneezing. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into the crook of your elbow. If using a tissue, be sure to throw the tissue away immediately.
- Boost your immune system by eating vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables
- Avoid crowds during peak flu season to reduce your chances of infection.
- Stay home when you are sick. Do not return to school/work until you are free from fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.