Fight the Flu

1/7/2014 (Permalink)

Don't be fooled, influenza (or, the flu, as we commonly call it) is fairly likely to impact your holidays, as one in five Americans suffer from it every single year. According to Pride Staff, the flu, combined with pneumonia, is the nation's 8th leading cause of death. So what can you do take preventive actions to stop the spread of germs and shield yourself (and others) against the flu?

One of the first and most important preventive actions you should take is getting a yearly flu vaccine. Don't know where to get one? Flu.gov has a flu vaccine finder that is very helpful!

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. No tissue? Aim your cough/sneeze into the bend of your arm.

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. This, my friends, is how germs are spread.

Those are the basics, but what about everyone else? How can you help others do the same? Try these actions:

• Encourage great hygiene among your family members and coworkers.
• Put up posters addressing prevention: how to stop germs from spreading, how to recognize cold/flu symptoms, etc.
• Identify local resources for flu shots and make this information available to coworkers.
• Stock up on hand sanitizer/anti-bacterial wipes and make these available to others.
• Wipe down all flat surfaces: keyboards, mouse, phone and common areas daily.
• Use hand sanitizer after shaking hands with others.
• Contact your office janitorial service to see if they offer any special treatment or processes to prevent the spread of cold/flu germs.
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  Don't wait.