SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Illinois —
Chilly and flu season is right here once more. In accordance with the World Well being Group, there are round a billion instances of seasonal influenza yearly. Signs usually current 1-4 days after an infection and often final a couple of week. In accordance with the American Lung Affiliation, influenza is a extremely contagious respiratory an infection whereas frequent colds are often minor infections of the nostril and throat attributable to greater than 200 viruses. Some key flu signs embrace fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nostril, physique aches, fatigue, and vomiting. Each are extremely contagious, so listed below are some methods to be sure you are your healthiest self this chilly and flu season!
The only most vital solution to stop the unfold of an infection is washing your fingers, particularly when visibly dirty. In case you are unable to clean your fingers, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol. Hand washing with cleaning soap and water for about 20 seconds will take away any germs in your fingers and assist stop an infection.
Observe these 5 steps to clean your fingers:
- Moist your fingers with clear, operating water (heat or chilly), flip off the faucet, and apply cleaning soap.
- Lather your fingers by rubbing them along with the cleaning soap. Lather the backs of your fingers, between your fingers, and below your nails.
- Scrub your fingers for a minimum of 20 seconds. Want a timer? Hum the “Completely happy Birthday” track from starting to finish twice.
- Rinse your fingers nicely below clear, operating water.
- Dry your fingers utilizing a clear towel or air dry them.
Cowl your mouth and keep away from shut contact, when potential. Keep away from touching your eyes, mouth, and nostril because the flu may be unfold by way of the air and enter your physique by way of your mouth or nostril from contaminated individuals or contaminated surfaces. Clear frequent areas and provides commonly to guard your self and people round you. Whereas many people nonetheless telework, it is very important apply these habits whereas at residence and in particular person. Study extra about your employer’s security procedures if an outbreak of flu or one other sickness happens. When you start to really feel sick whereas at work, go residence as quickly as potential.
The CDC states one of the simplest ways to guard towards the flu virus is by getting vaccinated. The flu vaccine could stop you from getting sick with the flu, scale back the severity of sickness (for individuals who are vaccinated however nonetheless expertise signs), and could also be lifesaving to people you encounter reminiscent of youngsters or those that could also be thought of high-risk. Regardless of the quite a few advantages the vaccine supplies, solely about half of Individuals get their annual flu vaccination. Because the flu virus is continually altering, flu vaccines could also be up to date from one season to the following to guard towards the latest pressure. As your safety from the vaccine declines over time, it is very important keep updated with the latest model.
Civilian Well being Promotion Service (CHPS) presents all kinds of well being schooling subjects each in-person and nearly reminiscent of colds and flu, vitamin, bodily exercise, stress administration, and extra! Courses may be introduced in all sorts of settings at your worksite reminiscent of commander/director calls, wingman day occasions, lunch-n-learns, and so forth. For extra data, make sure to go to USAFwellness.com or contact CHPSsupport@us.af.mil to attach along with your native CHPS group.
