How to Prepare for Flu Season

• Get Your Flu Shot – All adults and children should get a flu shot by the end of October, to give your body a chance to build antibodies, which is about a two-week process. This is especially true for vulnerable populations: children, pregnant women and adults over 65, as it takes additional time to build immunity.

• Wash Your Hands Frequently – While the flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu, it’s important to take other precautions. Marque found that 61 percent of Americans admitted to going out and about when they had the flu or flu-like symptoms in a 2019 poll. While not surprising, the most frequented place was the pharmacy (69 percent), 43 percent admitted to going to the grocery store while sick, and 39 percent said they went to work.

Flu germs can last up to 24 hours, depending on the surface. The harder the surface, the longer the germs can last. Wash your hands frequently during flu season and use hand sanitizer when possible.

• Stay Home if You Feel Sick – It can be tempting to continue on with daily activities when you are sick. But remember, you are not only compromising your chances of fast recovery, but also putting others at risk for catching the flu. As long as you have symptoms and sick germs, you are contagious. Take time off of work, if possible, and ask for help from friends and family members for errands, such as picking groceries, running errands or picking up your kid from school.