It seems like every winter the debate rages on about whether or not to get the flu shot, but whether or not you get vaccinated, the flu can wreak havoc on your life at home, work and school. This year is no different as many local businesses and schools are reporting widespread cases of the flu. At one local school, over 80 children (out of 600) were gone on one Monday – over 13% of the school population!

What can you do to protect yourself from the flu?

-Wash your hands frequently

-Use bleach wipes to clean frequently-touched surfaces at home, work, and school. Don’t forget things like your keyboard, mouse, phone, and the toilet and refridgerator handles.

-Quarantine anyone at home affected by the flu. Give them a ziploc baggie for their tissues and only let them stay in one room of the house and use one bathroom.

-If you’re healthy, stay healthy! Get lots of rest, vitamin C, and drink lots of water.

-If you’re sick, get lots of rest. Sleep is a great way to feel better! Stay hydrated and take medicine for your symptoms so you can keep sleeping.

-Don’t resume normal activities until you have been feeling better for at least a couple days. This year’s flu seems to have a characteristic with people being sick, feeling better for a couple days, then getting sick again.

-Don’t go to work or school if you are sick. It’s better to miss a couple days than to spread germs to everyone else and then everyone else misses even more time!

Of course, this advice should not replace the advice and guidance of your doctor. It’s always a good idea to call your family physician if you aren’t feeling well. And, if you’re sick, we hope you feel better soon!

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