How to Protect Yourself from the new flu virus
Written by Briahna Gibson, Former Student on Thursday, January 8, 2015
Flu season is here again, and stronger this year than previous years. It was expected to be more serious this year, because the flu strain didn’t match up with the flu vaccine.
On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control reported that 43 states are having extensive flu virus activity. So far this flu season, 21 children have died from the flu. Flu deaths only have to be reported if the patient is under 18, so it is unknown how many adult deaths there have been.
It is very important to do your best to prevent getting the flu this year. As most people know, the best way to prevent from getting the flu, is to get the flu shot, even this year’s vaccine can still lessen the symptoms. Of course, if you already have the flu or think you do, it’s not a good idea to get the flu shot.
Other ways to prevent from getting the flu, washing your hands constantly and using hand sanitizer. Students need to remember that five other people also sit at the same desk every day.
According to the website www.flu.gov...
· Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
· Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
· Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
· If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
