It’s flu season, and the Rhode Island Department of Health has declared flu as “widespread” here in Rhode Island. Many parts of the country are seeing the same.
The flu is more than just a bad cold. It’s a serious illness, and it can be dangerous, especially for seniors and young children. There are things you can do to protect yourself and your family from the flu.
Dr. Leonard Mermel, an infectious disease specialist with Rhode Island Hospital, says, “We are in the midst of our winter respiratory virus season. You can reduce your risk of getting sick or spreading infection to others by getting a flu shot.” It’s important to know that you can’t “catch the flu” from the shot, and it is your best defense against the virus.
Dr. Mermel provides other tips to help you and your family prevent the spread of germs.
- Clean your hands before eating and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces to keep from getting infected. Be sure to also clean your hands after touching your mouth or after using facial tissue to prevent spread to others.
- Covering your cough with your arm or a facial tissue rather than your hand. If you have to use your hands, wash them immediately.
- Stay home while you have symptoms of a respiratory virus, like a new cough, runny nose, or sore throat.
Stay healthy this winter!
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