Prevention

Get Vaccinated

Influenza viruses are constantly changing. Therefore, influenza vaccines are updated every year, and an annual vaccination is recommended. There are two types of vaccines available:

• A flu shot is a vaccine made with inactivated or killed virus that is administered with a needle. It is approved for use in people older than six months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
• A nasal spray is a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu. It is approved for healthy people age 2 to 49 who are not pregnant.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies to develop that protect against infection.

Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated later in the season can still be beneficial.

Practice Good Health Habits

There are other good health habits that can help prevent the flu or any virus for that matter. These are:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Get plenty of rest, eat nutritious foods and exercise regularly.