For advertising information call 859.368.0778 or email [email protected] | March 2016
• Avoid touching your nose,
mouth or eyes with your hands; this
is how germs spread.
• Cover your nose and mouth
with a tissue when you cough or
sneeze, and throw the tissue away
after use.
How to Protect Yourself
From the Flu
Get your flu shot before the season peaks
By Harleena Singh, Staff Writer
Flu, also known as influenza, is a
highly contagious respiratory virus.
Its effects vary from person to person, ranging from mild to severe.
The flu can lead to pneumonia and
may even be fatal for those people
who are at greater risk.
The best way to protect yourself
from the flu is to get a flu shot each
year. Providence Health Plan recommends a flu shot for everyone 6
months or older, especially young
children, pregnant women, people
aged 65 and older and people of
any age with chronic illness, such
as heart, lung or kidney disease.
Vaccinations are also important
for health care workers and people
who live with or care for high-risk
people to keep from spreading the
flu to them.
The flu season usually peaks in
January or February, so to reduce
the spread of germs, get your shots
as early as September or as late as
December. It is important to get a
new flu vaccine every year because
the effectiveness of the vaccine can
wear off; you need a new one each
year to stay protected. In addition,
the type of flu virus usually changes
from year to year, so experts create
a new vaccine to protect you each
flu season.
In addition to getting the flu vaccine, you can also protect yourself
and those around you by:
• Washing your hands with soap
and water. Clean your hands for
15 seconds to wash the virus down
the drain. Do this every time you
sneeze or cough and before meals.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are
good to carry in your pocket and
purse so you can use them when
required.
Avoid
touching
your n ose,
mouth or
eyes with
your hands.
This is how
germs are
spread.
LSG
&
• Cough and sneeze into the
bend of your arm, not into your
hands.
• Get plenty of rest and sleep.
• Eat healthy food.
• Do physical activities to keep
your immune system strong.
Studies indicate that those who
exercise four to five times a week
are less likely to get colds or other
viruses.
• Clean and di