Prevention

The best way to protect yourself from catching the flu is to get your yearly flu shot. Therefore, it is recommended to have your seasonal flu shot this 2010-2011 flu season, which contains protection against H1N1, H3N2 and an influenza B virus strain. The Cleveland Department of Public Health offers free flu vaccinations to Cleveland residents throughout the flu season.

You can also maintain good hygiene to avoid getting the flu:

• Always wash your hands properly with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds focusing on areas where germs can build up, such as under finger nails and between fingers
• Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer to clean your hands if soap and water are not available
• Be sure to always wash your hands before you eat, after using the restroom, and after playing with pets
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands; this is a common route for germs and bacteria to enter the body
• Avoid contact with sick people
• Cover your cough by coughing into your lower elbow or into a tissue
• Always try to sneeze into a tissue or use your lower elbow if tissues are not available
• Throw tissues away after coughing or sneezing into them and wash your hands immediately after or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer

Also be sure to maintain a healthy lifestyle and healthy habits

• Eat a well balanced diet and try to follow the food pyramid
• Be sure to drink plenty of water
• Get enough sleep (cell growth and cell reproduction is produced at a high rate during this time)
  • Children: 11-12 hours recommended
  • Adults: 7-8 hours recommended

For more information on tips to prevent the flu visit:
CDPH Flu Shot Information (Cleveland Department of Public Health)

Take 3 Actions To Fight The Flu (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)