If you are unable to get a flu shot this year, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself against the flu and help prevent its spread.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highly recommends:

To help prevent getting the flu :

• Wash your hands often.  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. 
• Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

To help prevent the spread of flu, if you are sick :

• Keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
• Stay home from work, school, and errands.
• Keep your sneezes and coughs to yourself. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.  Wash your hands afterward.

If you do not have easy access to soap and water to wash your hands, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an acceptable alternative. 

And boost your immune system by taking good care of yourself.  Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet, and manage your stress.

For more information about flu in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s flu website at www.mdhflu.com

Sources:  Wellness News You Can Use, (National Wellness Institute, November, 2004), Minnesota Department of Health, www.mdhflu.com