Tips for Staying Healthy During Flu Season
There is no doubt that the flu can make you feel miserable, as well as miss work and recreation time. The flu can also be dangerous if complications arise.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides tips and information for staying healthy during flu season, from how to avoid the flu and what to do if you get it.
What is the Flu?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and it can even cause death in extreme cases.
Flu signs and symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Vomiting or diarrhea (especially in children)
The flu spreads through droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. The 
droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby and spread the virus. A person can also get the flu by touching a surface that has the flu virus on it, and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.
Flu Prevention Tips
According to the CDC, the best way to prevent getting the flu is to get the flu vaccine every year. You can also follow these tips to avoid catching or spreading the flu.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you have the flu, keep your distance from other people.
- Stay home if you are sick. Avoid work, school and errands to prevent spreading the flu to others.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands properly and often.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus or other germs.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so the old saying goes. Take steps to avoid spreading the flu to others if you are sick, and always wash your hands. In addition, you should always maintain a healthy lifestyle, even when it is not flu season. This means getting plenty of rest, eating well, not smoking and eating a healthy balanced diet.
Have you had the flu this year? How did you get through it? What do you do to avoid getting the flu?
Be sure to call us at 877-352-2121, or e-mail us at beready@clark-mortenson.com, if you have any questions regarding your Health Insurance coverages this flu season.
