The best way to reduce the number of infections and protect yourself against another flu season is by taking preventive measures. Here are some tips to help you prepare for flu season.
Sharp Health Plan covers the flu shot as a preventive care benefit at no additional charge. At your next appointment, ask your primary care physician (PCP) about getting a flu shot. You can also visit a CVS MinuteClinic®, which is a medical clinic inside select CVS Pharmacy® stores. A MinuteClinic is separate from the pharmacy counter, where you can pick up your prescription medication. You can also visit your PCP or plan medical group to receive your flu shot.
Washing your hands frequently is an easy way to help protect yourself from the flu. Make sure to scrub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. If you are unable to, wash your hands with soap and water, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Protect yourself from getting sick by avoiding any close contact with others who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick. Do not go to work or school and avoid running errands to prevent spreading your illness to others.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. You can also cough or sneeze into the fold by your elbow. This may prevent those around you from catching your illness. Unclean hands, coughing and sneezing spread the flu. Also, avoid touching your face. Germs are spread when you touch something contaminated with germs and then touch your nose, mouth or eyes.
Clean and disinfect doorknobs and other frequently touched surfaces at home and work to prevent the spread of bacteria, especially when someone is sick. Getting enough sleep, staying active, managing stress, drinking lots of fluids and eating nutritiously is all part of building and maintaining a healthy immune system to fight off the flu.
Get more information about the flu and flu shot here.
Don’t miss important information on other National Health Observances
The key to staying healthy is prevention. That’s why we promote National Health Observances every month to help spread awareness and keep our members healthy. Learn more about prediabetes and the warning signs of breast cancer.
Vaccination, even after having flu-related illness, is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older with rare exception.
While not all clinics will be as fun as the island-style drive-through clinic hosted by Sharp Coronado Hospital, getting your annual flu shot is vital.
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