Flu Prevention: Protect Yourself And Your Family From Sickness
The children have been back to school now for a couple of months and we are starting to see the rise of colds and other ailments both in our children and in our workplaces. Though these are not usually cases of influenza, it is a reminder that the true flu season is just around the corner and we need to protect our families and our co-workers.
The flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by the influenza virus. The real influenza virus doesn’t generally affect the stomach. In most people, the flu is uncomfortable, tiring, and can keep you bedridden for many days. The flu can be serious. Each year the flu causes 500- 1500 deaths in Canada.
Handwashing And Flu Prevention
The most common way the influenza virus is spread is through flu germs on people’s hands. Flu germs can survive for up to 48 hours on some surfaces. If you touch something with flu germs on it, then touch your face or mouth, you could get infected. Flu germs can also travel through the air. If a person with the flu sneezes or coughs, their spray can carry the virus to your nose, mouth and/or eyes.
Beverly’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Flu Prevention Month?
- Consider getting the flu shot every year. For some, the flu shot is your best defense against the flu
- Fight germs, and wash your hands properly and often
- Disinfect door handles, taps, and other common surfaces
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze if you’re sick. Avoid shaking hands or touching common surfaces
- Stay home if you feel ill. You’re most contagious in the first three to four days after the onset of your symptoms.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth since germs are often spread this way.
- Boost your immune system by
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly but avoid very strenuous exercise
- Minimize stress
- Get plenty of sleep
- Quit smoking
- Stay properly hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Drink alcohol in moderation
Contact Beverly about hosting a mental health workshop for your teams on how to build resilience. Discover tips to deal with stress and encourage positive stress management techniques!
If you have some strategies to share – comment on this posting!
Additional Resources:
National Handwashing Awareness Week Article
Finding Your Optimal Health Article
Stress Smart Shift Work Article
WinterActive Article
Quiet Day Article
Water: A Necessity Article