Here Are 5 Ways You Can Fight Flu

Influenza (flu) can be serious, but it's also preventable.

Despite what you might have heard, flu is not just a "bad cold" and can actually lead to serious complications even in healthy children and adults.

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With COVID-19 still spreading and flu cases on the rise in some parts of the US, it is important to prevent flu to help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

Here are some steps you can take now to help fight flu:

1. Get vaccinated against flu.

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The best way to prevent flu and related complications is to get a flu vaccine every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get vaccinated against flu annually. Flu vaccines are safe and can help prevent serious illness, so there's no reason not to get one!

2. Wash your hands.

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Keeping your hands clean helps prevent the spread of germs. So wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

3. Wear a mask in public.

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Masking up — especially indoors or in crowded settings — can help you stay protected by preventing the spread of germs. Wearing a mask shows you care about yourself and others!

4. Cover coughs and sneezes.

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Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth the next time you need to cough or sneeze to prevent germs from spreading through the air!

5. Stay home if you're sick.

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Not feeling well? It's better to play it safe and stay at home. With both flu and COVID-19 going around, it's important not to spread germs to anyone else, particularly those who are more vulnerable.

Want to find out how you can help fight flu? Visit the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) website to learn more.

All information provided by National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.