Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

  • It’s that time of the year…

    • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner… always before preparing meals or eating.
    • Sneeze and cough into your elbow or cover with a tissue. In other words, keep those germs off your hands. That said…
    • Keep “germy” hands away from your face.
    • Keep them off your desk, too… Put used tissues in a wastebasket.
    • Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
    • Get fresh air… every day.
    • Exercise regularly.
    • Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, especially dark green, red, and yellow vegetables, and a variety of fruits.
    • Get plenty of rest.
    • An ounce of prevention… Ask your doctor if you should get a flu shot to protect against seasonal flu. 
    • Get a pneumonia shot to prevent secondary infection if you are over the age of 65 or have a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma. For specific guidelines, talk to your healthcare provider or call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hotline at 1-800-232-4636.
    • Keep your distance. Maintain personal space to avoid getting a bug from others or sharing your bug with them.