Right now, the hospitalization rate for flu here in the United States is the highest on record, according to the Centers for Disease Control. A scary thought.
So what can you do to keep from getting sick? Dr. Jane Kim, VA’s Chief Consultant for Preventive Medicine, has a few tips for Veterans who want to protect themselves from getting the flu.
Her first piece of advice?
“Get your flu shot!” she urged. “It is not too late. Flu is still circulating around the country and will continue into spring. The flu vaccine will protect you, especially from the strains that will be circulating later in the flu season
“A flu shot will also help to ease your symptoms should you get the flu,” she added.
In addition to staying hydrated and getting plenty of sleep, there’s another simple thing you can do to discourage a visit from the flu:
“Wash your hands!” Kim advised. “Touching your eyes, nose or mouth is a surefire way of introducing infectious organisms into your body. So keeping your hands clean is your best defense.”
“Stay home when you’re sick, especially when you have a fever.”
So what do you do if you’ve taken all these precautions but end up getting the flu anyway?
Don’t Mess Around
“Cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home so you don’t spread the virus,” Kim said. “You also want to get to a doctor if you’re in a
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