Vaccine best way to prevent flu

  • Published
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

The 82nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health Flight is urging people to help prevent getting and spreading the flu virus.

The best way of preventing the flu is by getting a flu shot, but there are other preventive steps that can be taken, too. Those include:

• Avoiding close contact with people who have the flu.

• Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for a full 20 seconds.

• Cover coughs and sneezes and encourage others to do the same.

• Dispose of used tissues immediately.

• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.

• Don’t share cups or eating utensils.

The flu is spread from person to person from airborne droplets transmitted through coughing, sneezing, touching and talking. A cough or sneeze can propel droplets up to 3 feet.

Healthy adults can be contagious for a full day before they get sick and for five days after symptoms appear. Symptoms include a fever, cough and sore throat, runny and stuffy nose, muscle and body aches, headaches and fatigue.

Those who feel they may have flu-like symptoms should contact their medical provider by calling 940-676-1847.

For more information about the flu, call Public Health at 940-676-1874 or 940-676-3052. Information can also be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov.