The Best Ways to Prevent the Flu

The influenza virus-- or more commonly known as the flu-- is a wintertime ravage with symptoms that range from very mild to life-threatening. Fever, sore throat and cough, runny or stuffy nose, and fatigue are just some of the signs and symptoms of the flu virus. What can you do to prevent the flu?

• Get a flu vaccine. Available right now at a doctor`s office, your local pharmacy and clinics.
• Try to avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• If you are sick, avoid exposing others by staying home from work or school for at least 24 hours.
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing to avoid spreading disease.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Take any flu drugs if you`re prescribed them.

During the late winter, the peak of the flu season, the virus can be widespread across the U.S. For healthy adults, the flu can be a nuisance; but for the young and old, it can be debilitating or even fatal, so it is important to keep the flu from spreading.

Story Image: A strain of flu virus is highly magnified in this file image from the CDC via Wikipedia.