VNA Care Network & Hospice Offers Tips for Preventing the Flu
Developing some new habits can help people avoid catching or spreading the flu according to the health care professionals at VNA Care Network & Hospice.
This flu season:
- Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap.
- Avoid touching or rubbing your nose, eyes, and mouth.
- Stay healthy by eating well and getting enough rest. Avoid getting "run down" which can affect your immune system.
- Avoid close contact, such as hugging or kissing, with those who have the flu.
- Do not share cups, straws, and other items that you put in your mouth.
- Clean door handles, phones, water faucets, and other items that are frequently touched by people whether at home or work.
- Get a flu shot at VNA Care Network & Hospice's public flu clinics or schedule a flu clinic at your worksite.
If you have the flu:
- Cover your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and dispose of the tissue immediately in an appropriate manner. If you do not have a tissue handy, cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow. Whatever you do, do not cough or sneeze in the direction of other people.
- Stay home from work or school.
- Avoid elderly or frail relatives and friends.
- Talk with your physician about whether or not antiviral medicines could be right for you either during an outbreak or if you have early signs of influenza.
FLU VACCINATION AND PREVENTION RESOURCES
Flu season in New England generally begins in December and lasts until March or April. The best time to receive a flu shot is in October or November, but individuals can benefit from receiving the vaccine as late as December.
See the flu clinic schedule for a list of VNA Care Network & Hospice's clinics that are open to all adults. Staff at VNA Care Network's flu clinics will screen for certain allergies, such as to eggs, egg products, and latex, that would make receiving the vaccine inadvisable. MassPro maintains a list of flu clinics throughout the state at flu.masspro.org/.
Businesses may schedule a flu vaccination clinic by contacting Maureen Sendrowski at 888-663-3688, ext. 5603 or msendrowski@vnacarenetwork.org.
For more information on preventing the flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site at www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at www.mass.gov/dph/.