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  5. 6 tips to prevent catching the flu | Health observance - Dec.    

6 tips to prevent catching the flu

Be prepared for flu season.

Woman sitting on couch sneezing into tissue

The best way to reduce the number of infections and protect yourself against another flu season is by taking preventive measures. Here are some tips to help you prepare for flu season.

1

Get a flu shot

Sharp Health Plan covers the flu shot as a preventive care benefit at no additional charge. Check with your primary care physician or plan medical group to see how you can get your vaccine.

2

Wash your hands

Washing your hands frequently is an easy way to help protect yourself from the flu. Make sure to scrub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. If you are unable to, wash your hands with soap and water, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

3

Avoid close contact

Protect yourself from getting sick by avoiding any close contact with others who are sick.

4

Stay home when you are sick

Stay home when you are sick. Do not go to work or school and avoid running errands to prevent spreading your illness to others.

5

Cover your nose and mouth and avoid touching your face

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. You can also cough or sneeze into the fold by your elbow. This may prevent those around you from catching your illness. Unclean hands, coughing and sneezing spread the flu. Also, avoid touching your face. Germs are spread when you touch something contaminated with germs and then touch your nose, mouth or eyes.

6

Practice healthy habits

Clean and disinfect doorknobs and other frequently touched surfaces at home and work to prevent the spread of bacteria, especially when someone is sick. Getting enough sleep, staying active, managing stress, drinking lots of fluids and eating nutritiously is all part of building and maintaining a healthy immune system to fight off the flu.

Get more information about the flu and flu shot here.

Don’t miss important information on other National Health Observances

The key to staying healthy is prevention. That’s why we promote National Health Observances every month to help spread awareness and keep our members healthy. Learn more about prediabetes and the warning signs of breast cancer.

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