Tips for Preventing the Flu this Season

It’s flu season again. Did you know that getting a flu shot is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family from catching the flu?

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It takes up to two weeks for your immunity to build up after getting a flu shot, so the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends you get vaccinated as soon as flu vaccines become available.

Preventing the Flu

Fortunately for you and me, CVS’ 9,600 retail pharmacies and more than 1,100 walk-in MinuteClinic® locations, have everything you need for flu prevention, including numerous flu vaccinations.

Additionally, you will find over-the-counter cold and flu remedies, multivitamins, and anti-bacterial cleaning products, and are open every day, including evenings and weekends, with no appointment needed.

You can walk in and find all you need to keep your family healthy this flu season.

While the flu is spread by coughing, sneezing, and even talking, the flu virus can survive for a few hours or even a day on surfaces and in enclosed spaces.

The most common way the flu virus is spread is when hands that have been in contact with contaminated surfaces go near your face.

These tips for preventing the flu can help you ward off the illness this season:

Wash your hands — Touching everyday items like door handles and other surfaces can be difficult to avoid. To help combat germs, wash hands frequently (especially after coughing or sneezing) with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, and avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose. Alcohol-based soaps and hand cleansers are effective when you are on the go. 41% of Americans regularly use hand sanitizer to stop the spreading of germs (up 3% from last year’s CVS Health Flu Survey results)
Practice good health habits — Getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking adequate fluids, and eating nutritious food are all healthy habits that can help to keep your immune system in top condition during flu season.
Stay home if you’re sick — A recent CVS Pharmacy consumer flu survey found that nearly two in three (65%) of employed Americans would still go to work even if they were feeling ill with flu-like symptoms. It’s important to understand the preliminary symptoms of the flu, and if you or your child is experiencing them, stay home. This will help bolster your immune system and avoid the spread of germs throughout the workplace or classroom.

Not to mention, it’s important to get the flu shot every year because the immunity provided by the vaccine declines over time.

Basically, the key to preventing the flu lies in being proactive about making an effort not to get it.

What are your tips for preventing the flu?

Find a CVS near you for more details on getting the flu shot.