Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Cold and Flu Prevention

Cold and flu season will soon be upon us.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone receive a flu vaccine each year to prevent contracting seasonal influenza.  Whether you decide you wish to receive the vaccine or not, there are a number of good health habits that you can practice to help keep you healthy during the cold and flu season as well as to prevent the spread of germs.  Good health habits that can help you from becoming ill and prevent the spread of germs include:

•    Wash your hands with warm water and soap often
•    Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
•    Avoid close contact with those who are ill
•    Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
•    Stay home when you are ill
•    Practice other good health habits such as getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of fluids.

If you would like to receive the flu vaccine, University Health Services will be offering several flu vaccine clinics over the coming months.  For more information, visit:  http://www.cmu.edu/health-services/news/2012-fall/2012%20flu-vaccine-clinics.html or call (412)268-2157.   

By: Andrew Lawson, alawson@andrew.cmu.edu, 412-268-8405