"
Happy Halloween! Did you know Halloween falls near the beginning of flu season? Here’s a Halloween statistic for you: On average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized due to complications of the flu virus every year. That is a spooky number, so to keep you healthy this season, we’ve rounded up some of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) tips for staying healthy through flu season.
- Get the flu shot. The best way to prevent the flu is inoculating yourself before flu season even starts. The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get the flu vaccine. This gives your body time to form antibodies to some of the most prevalent strains of the flu, which can help you fight it off throughout the flu season. Most doctors recommend that you get your flu vaccine before the end of October to ensure that you are fully protected during the worst of flu season.
- Practice good hygiene. This should be a no-brainer when illnesses are going around, but simple things like washing your hands, disinfecting surfaces and avoiding touches your face can really help to keep you healthy. The flu virus can survive up to 24 hours on a hard surface, so any hygiene activities you can take to keep from introducing the virus to your body and spreading it to others will go a long way to keeping you healthy this season!
- Stay home when you’re sick! Trust us, your co-workers would much rather cover for you at work for a couple of days than have you come to the office bringing the flu virus with you. Stay home and recover, and let the spread of the flu stop with you. This goes the other way, as well — if someone you know is sick, try to avoid getting too close to them. If they’re a good friend, they will understand your desire to stay healthy, especially when they are suffering!
This flu season, don’t let the influenza virus spook you! Instead, take our advice and avoid getting the flu to begin with. And if you do end up sick you can an AFC Urgent Care to get better in no time — no appointment necessary. Have a happy and healthy Halloween!
Click here to find your nearest AFC Urgent Care location.
"
