Along with lousy weather winter also brings in another unwelcome friend, the FLU.  For some reason more and more people are talking about dealing with sick people at work, the gym, the grocery store etc.  This is so annoying to those who focus real hard on trying to maintain their health.  What it comes down to is, if your sick and have the flu, your only job is to STAY HOME.

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious disease that is caused by the influenza virus. It attacks the respiratory tract in humans (nose, throat, and lungs). The flu is different from a cold. Influenza usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:

•Fever

•Headache

•Tiredness (can be extreme)

•Dry cough

•Sore throat

•Nasal congestion

•Body aches

•These symptoms are usually referred to as “flu-like symptoms.”

•This virus is passed from person to person or if some comes in contact with the flu virus on a surface and then touches their nose, mouth eyes, etc.

Follow these easy to handle Flu Prevention:

•Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and following food preparation, before eating and after using restrooms or changing diapers.

•Be careful what you touch. Hands transmit germs.

•Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.

•Put your used tissue in the waste basket.

•Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing by washing with soap and water or cleaning with an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

•Get plenty of rest, eat properly, and dress appropriately for the weather.

•When ill, prevent the spread of germs by staying home from school or the workplace, if possible. Return to work only after being fever free for 24 hours, without the use of fever reducers.

•During flu season, minimize time in crowded areas, such as shopping centers, and avoid contact with those at high risk for the flu, such as the elderly and those with chronic illness.

•If over the age of 65, pregnant, or if you have a chronic illness or disease, talk with your doctor about a flu and pneumonia vaccination.

As you can see, flu prevention is up to you, don’t spread your germs if your sick, STAY HOME!