6 Tips to Avoid Getting the Flu in 2018

BAY CITY, Mich. –– Every year, around the country, the millions of Americans get sick with the flu. If that doesn't sound serious, consider that of those millions, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized due to the flu, and tens of thousands die from the illness. The flu is especially bad this year as well, putting more people than normal out of commission each coming week during the winter months. Everyone can get the flu but children younger than 5, seniors, and pregnant women are the most at risk, and will likely be the most affected by the illness' severe symptoms. To find out how to protect yourself, your family, and others from potentially getting the flu, read on to learn 6 tips to avoid getting the flu in 2018.

1. First and foremost, the best way to avoid getting the flu is to get the flu shot. The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get the flu vaccination. The flu vaccine is designed to prevent you from getting the illness and protect against different strains of the flu virus.
2. Avoid or limit your contact with sick people. A good rule of thumb is to stay 3 feet away from others in general, but especially those exhibiting possible flu-like symptoms such as coughing or sneezing.
3. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Cleanliness is key to keeping the flu at bay. Also, its wise to keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy all throughout flu season in case you're don't have access to a sink while you're out and about.
4. Generally, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth throughout flu season. This is the primary way germs spread, and touching your face after accidental contact with the flu germs found on public surfaces is most likely how you will get sick.
5. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs. Public spaces at work, your desk, bathrooms, door handles, and other surfaces in your home are the primary places that should be cleaned regularly.
6. It's important to keep up a healthy lifestyle to keep your body and immune system strong during flu season to help fight off the illness. The CDC recommends eating a balanced diet, exercising at least 4 days a week, and getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Sleep is especially important because it is when your body recovers each day and builds its strength back up. So, this winter is not the time to be staying up late and not getting your rest.

However, if you do get sick with the flu:
The CDC recommends that if you are sick with the flu, you should stay home, and not go out in public or return to work for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities obviously. Note that your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine. It is important to limit contact with others, including your family, as much as possible so that you don't infect them. The flu is very contagious and you do not want to spread it. Also, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then, throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

So make sure to following these 6 tips to avoid getting the flu in 2018. If you or a loved one gets the flu make sure to receive medical attention, especially if the symptoms continue to worsen. The flu is not an illness to take lightly, and it can be deadly in some cases. This time of year, it's also important to look after the health of your vehicle. Complete our Winter Car Care maintenance routine to ensure your sedan, truck, or SUV's internal components don't get worn down, broken, or disabled by the cold weather or poor road conditions.

Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.

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