Have you gotten your flu shot yet? Getting the influenza (flu) vaccination is the first step to prepare for Flu Season, especially for people over 65. The flu vaccination can be easily provided by your doctor or even a major pharmacy. If you are afraid of needles, ask about alternatives that may be offered such as a nasal-spray flu vaccine or even vaccines using PharmaJet technology. PharmaJet is a noninvasive, needle-free injection which uses air pressure to penetrate the skin and deliver medicine. After receiving your vaccinations, keep the following tips in mind during Flu Season:
1) Avoid close contact: When people around you are sick, it is best to avoid close contact with them to prevent the spreading of germs. Likewise, you should distance yourself from others when you are sick to avoid spreading illnesses.
2) Stay home when sick: Not only will staying home from work when you are sick prevent illness from spreading, it will also help you get the rest your body needs.
3) Cover your mouth and nose: Though we have been told this since we were children, covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing can immediately stop germs from spreading. If you do not have a tissue at hand, sneezing or coughing into the bend of your elbow works as an alternative to keep your germs away from others.
4) Avoid touching your nose, mouth, or eyes: These three parts of the face are the main gateways for germs to invade your immune system, so do not touch them.
5) Carry hand sanitizer: If you cannot wash your hands with soap and water, a travel-size hand sanitizer will come in handy as it rids up to 99% of the germs we may carry.