Vaccine best way to prevent flu Published Nov. 21, 2017 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- 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.