News

The single best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get your annual flu shot — AND you will not get the flu from the flu shot.

Here are some other helpful tips:

• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs. This includes childrens’ toys, remote controls, computer keypad/mouse, communal desk phone, counters, tables, door knobs, toilet handle and refrigerator handle.
• Frequently wash your hands and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• If you are unfortunate enough to get flu-like symptoms, stay home from work/school; limit contact with others to prevent spread; and do not return to work/school until you are feeling better and fever-free for 24 hours.
• Antibiotics will not help and are not necessary to cure the flu, but if your symptoms are severe your primary care physician or your nearest St. Luke's Care Now can help suggest over the counter or prescription medications to help with the symptoms.
• Certain antiviral medications can be prescribed to help ease the symptoms and help you recover from the flu a day or two faster than using no medication — but, these medications must be started within 48 to 72 hours of symptoms.