Millions of people get the flu every year. While some people only feel sick for a few days, others can get very ill and even need to go to the hospital. The flu spreads quickly from person to person, especially when kids are in school, families are gathering for holidays, and more time is spent indoors because of colder weather.
For kids, older adults, and people with health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, the flu can be even more dangerous. That’s why prevention is so important. By adopting some healthy habits, you can lower your chances of getting sick and help keep the people around you healthier, too.
Why It’s Important
The flu is not just a “bad cold.” It can cause high fevers, headaches, body aches, sore throats, coughs, and tiredness that can last for weeks. For some, it can even turn into pneumonia or other serious health problems.
When one person in the family gets the flu, everyone in the family is at risk of getting sick. That means more days at home, more missed school and work, and a harder time for parents trying to care for sick kids while managing everything else. By preventing the flu, you protect your family’s health and keep your daily life on track.
Healthy Habits That Make a Difference
The flu virus spreads easily, but the good news is there are everyday habits that really help limit it.
- Wash your hands often: Use soap and water and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Handwashing before meals, after using the bathroom, and after coughing or sneezing helps get rid of germs..
- Cover your coughs and sneezes: If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands. This keeps germs from spreading when you touch things.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces: Germs can survive on most surfaces, including doorknobs, phones, countertops, toys, and remotes. Wiping these down with disinfectant can cut down on the spread.
- Stay home when you feel sick: It might feel hard to miss school or work, but it’s one of the best ways to stop the flu from traveling through classrooms and offices. Resting also helps you feel better faster.
The Power of the Flu Shot
The flu shot is the best tool we have to fight the flu. Even if you still get the flu after your shot, your symptoms are usually milder, and you have less risk of developing a serious complication.
- Almost everyone 6 months and older can get the flu shot. It’s extra important for young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with health problems to make sure they get vaccinated.
- Flu viruses change from year to year, so last year’s shot won’t protect you this year. That’s why an annual shot is recommended.
- The best time to get your flu shot is early in the fall, ideally September or October, to be protected throughout flu season. Even if you wait until later in the season, as long as the flu is still active in your community, it’s worthwhile to get vaccinated.
- You can get your flu shot at Hancock Health, your doctor’s office, or a local pharmacy. Many workplaces and schools also offer flu shot clinics.
Getting your flu shot not only protects you, but also the people around you who may be at more risk of getting very sick.
How Hancock Health Helps You Take Action
At Hancock Health, we want to make staying healthy during flu season as easy as possible. You can schedule your flu shot at one of our clinics, stop by one of our Immediate Care centers in Greenfield and at Hancock Health Gateway if you or your child starts feeling sick, or talk with one of our trusted doctors and nurses about questions you may have.
But flu prevention doesn’t stop at our doors; it starts with you. Stock up on soap, sanitizer, tissues, and disinfecting wipes for your household. Practice good habits like handwashing and covering coughs every day. Keep children home from school when they’re sick, and encourage grandparents and older relatives to get their vaccines, too.
Together, these small steps make a big difference. Protect your health and the health of the people you love by scheduling your flu shot with Hancock Health today, and by building daily habits that keep your family safe all season long.
SOURCES
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/actions-prevent-flu.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/in-depth/flu-shots/art-20048000
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