Warm Up to Winter

      Chase Away the Flu with American Red Cross Tips 

It’s the season of coughs, sneezes and sniffles. Your American Red Cross encourages you to take an active role in preventing the spread of the flu, colds and other illnesses:

• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Try not to use your hand to cover your mouth because you can spread germs when you touch other surfaces. Keep tissues on hand – for yourself and to offer to others who may be coughing or sneezing near you. Throw out used tissues right away.

• Wash your hands frequently. Hand washing is one of the easiest and best ways to prevent the spread of the flu and many other diseases. Be sure to use antibacterial soap and hot water to kill germs. Scrub your fingers and clean under your fingernails.

• Use hand sanitizer gels. Keep a supply of alcohol based hand sanitizer gels on hand for yourself and others. They can be used when you can’t get to a sink. Antibacterial sanitizer towelettes can also be used to clean your face, hands and body.

• Keep surfaces clean. Germs are spread when a sick person touches surfaces, such as a doorknob or sink, and then someone else touches that same surface. Stock up on antibacterial wipes. Keep some in your car, home and office. They can be used in all kinds of places and on all kinds of surfaces. Use them in public places such as restaurants and public bathrooms, or anywhere a flu virus or bacteria may be spread.

• Avoid close contact. If you have the flu, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the illness to others. Likewise, If you notice that someone nearby is sick, avoid close contact with them.

• Get a flu shot. The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year. The elderly, children, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions are most vulnerable, and should get annual flu shots.

• Maintain healthy habits. Smoking and excessive drinking can weaken the body’s ability to fight disease. However, cooking and serving nutritious whole foods, including foods with plenty of Vitamin C, as well as other fruits and vegetables and yogurt, can all help boost immunity to infections and viruses.  

Please give blood regularly to lessen the impact of a shortage when flu season is at its peak. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE for more information.