It’s not here yet, but it’s just around the corner: Flu Season. Acky, icky, awful flu season. Even if you’re not struck down, you still will have to deal with protecting yourself from those around you who insist on sharing their illness with their office mates, social events, or an entire grocery store.

So, what do you do? You can get the flu vaccine, if it’s not been reserved for only the young and old this year. But you still may have to wait in line, and what if you can’t get in on one of the free programs?

There are some tried, true, and clichéd (meaning long-useful) ways of protecting yourself from spreading illness, or catching it.  The CDC’s flu website has a very practical list:

1. Avoid close contact with the sick.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
   
3. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
4. Clean your hands. Often. Seriously.
5. Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. This is how you’re most likely to get sick - by touching something contaminated and then instantly bringing it to a great place to get into your body.
6. Practice other good health habits. If you get plenty of sleep, are physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food you are less likely to get sick.

These are important tips for all seasons, not just flu seasons. Be proactive and protect yourself. Don’t just rely on the government to do it for you with a yearly shot. These are simple habits that can keep the spread of any illness in check.

Tags: flu, healthy habits, illness