Last year’s flu season was one of the worst in recent memory. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a record number of people were hospitalized in 2017, which demonstrates why it’s so important to prepare for the flu each year.
Here are five simple tips from Joseph Feldman, MD, FACEP Mount Sinai Urgent Care Medical Director, to help protect you and your family this season:
- Get the flu vaccine
The vaccine is safe and does not the cause the flu. It’s often available with no copay or a low copay. The CDC recommends an annual flu shot for everyone age six months and older.
- Frequently wash your hands and use hand sanitizer
Pay special attention before eating or after touching potentially contaminated surfaces like subway poles.
- Avoid people who sneeze or cough without covering their mouths and noses
This can be tough in crowded spaces, but do your best. And help protect others by sneezing and coughing into your elbow.
- If someone in your family gets sick, avoid close contact
Try to help your family member during their illness without getting too close and don’t share food or utensils.
- Get plenty of rest
When you’re tired, your immune system may be weakened, so get enough sleep to ensure your body is prepared to fight off germs.
Following these tips will give you a good chance at a flu-free winter. But if you do feel flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, or body aches, visit your primary care physician or an urgent care center immediately so you can begin treatment, if necessary.