Take time to get a flu vaccine.
• Center for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most
important step in protecting against flu viruses.
• While there are many different flu viruses, a flu vaccine protects against the three viruses
that research suggests will be most common.
• Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as available.
• Vaccination of high risk individuals is especially important to decrease their risk of
severe flu illness. This includes young children, pregnant women , people with chronic
health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years
and older.
• Vaccination also is important for health care workers, and other people who live with or
care for high risk people to keep from spreading flu to high risk people.

Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24
hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your
fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue
in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an
alcohol -based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the
flu.

By following these recommendations, you can dodge the flu bug this winter! If you suspect you do have the flu, contact your health care provider for treatment.