Stay Healthy from the Flu

This season's flu is "a bit more virulent" (the CDC). Chismosas, take care out there. We're seeing more people get sick from the flu than before. The people most at-risk are: seniors, children & infants, pregnant women, people with disabilities, people with health conditions (like asthma), and frequent travelers.

The flu season peaks at January and February. Flu-related complications include pneumonia, dehydration, ear or sinus infections, and worsening of chronic health conditions. If you get the flu, you'll be out sick for one to two weeks, more if there are complications.

You can get the flu through exposure from someone with the flu, or from touching surfaces with the flu virus on it, then touching your mouth, eyes, or nose.

For more information about the flu, visit www.flu.gov. Meanwhile, here are some tips to stay healthy.

1. Get a flu shot. If you haven't already done so, get a flu shot. There are many affordable options now. Check with your health care provider, or go to Walgreens or CVS. If you're in college, check the college clinic or health care center. Sometimes colleges offer free or deeply discounted flu shots for registered students.
   
2. Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly. As frequently as possible, giving special attention to your nails where dirt can get trapped.
   
3. Use hand sanitizer. Be wary of public places and doors, and if you don't have immediate access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer to kill germs.
   
4. Sanitize high traffic places/items in your home. High traffic means places and things people often go through or touch. This includes: phones, doorknobs, home computers, and table surfaces.
   
5. Carry facial tissue with you everywhere. You need to avoid touching your mouth, eyes, or nose, but this is harder to do the more you think about it. So keep a pack of facial tissue with you, and use it to wipe your eyes, nose, or mouth. Even if you just have an itch, use tissue to avoid inviting the flu virus into your body.
   
6. Stay warm. Use layers to protect yourself from the cold.
   
7. Drink lots of water. Water cleanses our bodies and keeps us hydrated. It relieves headaches and can curb cravings. It helps keep our skin clear, too. Water is one way of staying healthy, so drink up!