Flu season usually starts in October, and that may feel like a long way off. But why not get prepared!
Learn how to lower your risk of getting the flu, which affects 1 to 2 out of 10 Americans each year. And review the checklist below to make sure you have supplies on hand, just in case you do get sick.
Prevent the Spread
Follow these tips to help prevent the spread of flu. When appropriate, teach children these tips as well.
- Get vaccinated for seasonal flu by October or whenever the vaccine becomes available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.
- Whenever possible, stay away from people who are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and then throw it away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. You can also use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Using a household disinfectant, regularly wipe down surfaces you touch often – doorknobs, counters, telephones, and remotes, for example.
- If you get sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever or signs of fever end.
- Know your company’s policy for sick days, and make sure you have a bank of days you can depend upon. Also, have a backup plan for childcare.
- If you can, keep the sick person in a separate room. Have games, coloring books, or movies on hand for entertainment in the sick ward!
Stock Up on Supplies
No time like the present! (And it’s not much fun to make a run to the drug store when you’re sick, is it?) Here’s what you can do to prepare:
- Check your medicine cabinet for the following:
(Double-check expiration dates and review doses for the different members of your family.)- a pain reliever
- fever reducer
- decongestant
- lozenges
- cough syrup
- Also, buy a few extra boxes of tissues, hand sanitizer, and paper towels. When flu season starts, put a bottle of hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol in every room.
- Make sure your thermometer and humidifier are in working order.
- If you take prescription medication or have a chronic illness, make sure you have the medicines you need.
- Freeze some leftovers or purchase some easy-to-make and easy-to-digest foods. Don’t forget to include lots of fluids – so important for a speedier recovery.
- And what about the family pets? Don’t let pet food or cat litter run out.
You can find most of these supplies in our store. Either someone on staff or I can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Questions about prevention or ready to schedule your flu shot? Give us a call or shoot us an email. You can also schedule your flu shot online here. (Kids must be at least 8 years old to receive their vaccination.)
Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.