The holidays have passed, but “Tis the Season” … Flu season that is! As you would guess, my fiance woke up this morning feeling like Wreck It Ralph (looking like him too). But of course, he is Superman and still going to work, like most of us would … we all know we have to show up! If we don’t get fired, we know that no one ever seems to do our work when we are away and we dread the pile of work when we come back … that is a sickness in itself! When you consider the level of productivity and the possibility of spreading germs to others, staying home and resting one day really wins the argument. But us dedicated, hell-bent workaholics decide to spend our dreaded days of coughing, aching and sneezing at the office along with those sweet, wonderful, kind people we spend 40+ hours a week with! So if you are one of those, let’s at least practice some tactics to prevent the spread of germs:
- Cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow, covering your mouth with clothing, rather than into your hand.
- Wipe down and clean areas. Keep Clorox wipes around and use them frequently.
- Wash your hands and do it frequently (Viruses can live on hard surfaces hours after you’re gone.)
- Keep in mind that anti-bacterial gels are a good option when a sink isn’t available, but it is a substitution not a replacement.
- Try to avoid touching your face, which provides a direct path for the germs on your hands to get into your nose and mouth.
- We so often forget to clean our most used items. Germs may also be lurking on things like cell phones, car keys, and billfolds. Give them a wipe with an alcohol pad regularly.
Make a habit and prevent the spread! Already you are hearing that hospitals are too full because of the flu, it’s too early in the season for this.
If you don’t have health insurance and that is the reason why you haven’t gotten to the doctor, go here for a free quote … we have plans that can fit everyone’s budget! Don’t let that be an excuse that you don’t get the necessary care.
Most doctors advise that you get your flu shot. If you haven’t and want to, it isn’t too late, here is a good website to find a location in your area http://flushot.healthmap.org/
If you have Medicare, your Medicare Part B covers a shot once per flu season in the fall or winter. You pay nothing for a flu shot, and the Part B deductible doesn’t apply.
Stay Healthy & Happy!