CENTRAL ILLINOIS - The flu is a
contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that easily pass
from one person to another by coughing and sneezing. For most people, the flu
makes them feel very sick, but they generally get better in about a week.
However, young children, people over age 65, pregnant women, and people with
chronic medical conditions may develop serious complications from the flu
including dehydration, pneumonia, and worsening of medical conditions like
heart disease, diabetes, or asthma. The American Red Cross has a few tips to
help you stay healthy this winter. Get your flu shot as soon as it is available
for the best chance of protection. A flu vaccine is available in the U.S. every
year. Always practice good health habits to maintain your body's resistance to
infection.
- Eat
a balanced diet.
- Drink
plenty of fluids.
- Exercise
daily.
- Manage
stress.
- Get
enough rest and sleep.
Take common sense steps to stop the spread of germs:
- Wash
hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid
or minimize contact with sick people (a minimum three feet distancing is recommended).
- Avoid
touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover
your mouth and nose with tissues when you cough and sneeze. If you don't
have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
- Stay
away from others as much as possible when you are sick.
- Adopt
business/school practices that encourage employees/students to stay home
when sick.
For more information about flu
prevention, please visit arcillinois.org/tip-library
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds
and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of
the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international
humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red
Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on
volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
