It's Flu Season Again- How to Help Stop The Spread of The Flu Virus

It's that time of year again. No, not Halloween or Thanksgiving. It's flu season. Every year, millions of people are out of work because of the rapid spread of the flu virus. Healthcare workers are particularly at risk for contracting the flu. According to the Center for Disease Control there are several things that you can do to minimize your risk of contracting the virus.

The CDC recommends a “Take 3” three step plan to prevent the spread of the flu virus:

• Get a flu shot- This year's vaccine will protect against several varieties of the virus including the H1N1 virus that spread across the country last year. Anyone who works in the Healthcare industry is advised to have the vaccine. Additionally, small children, their caregivers, the elderly and anyone dealing with a chronic health condition are also advised to get the shot.
  
  
• Help stop the spread of the virus- Keeping your hands clean can help prevent the germs from being passed from person to person. It is also a good idea to carry antibacterial wipes with you because the germs can live on hard surfaces for up to 8 hours. Also, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands immediately. Try to avoid touching your eye, nose or mouth and carry hand sanitizer with you for added protection.
  
  
• If you get sick, visit your doctor- If you become sick with the flu, there are antiviral treatments available. Antiviral drugs are different that antibiotics and can be had only by a doctor's prescription. It is important to start taking the medication within the first 2 or 3 days after having contracted the flu virus. Flu like symptoms include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Not everyone who is infected with the flu virus will have a fever.

Do your part to help stop the spread of the flu and keep yourself and those around you healthy. Prevention is always the best defense, so get vaccinated and have a great flu season.

Have you had a flu shot? What were your experiences? Let me know in the comments.

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By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.