Flu Prevention
 Nobody wants the flu. To guard against it, a vaccination can help. Practicing these simple behaviors can also build your immunity defenses.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick. Return the favor, don't expose the people you work and socialize with to the flu.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue or if one isn't handy, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
- Wash your hands frequently. This will help prevent the spread of germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes nose or mouth.
- Drink plenty of water and fluids for hydration. Adequate hydration helps to deliver nutrients to organs and flush toxins from the body.
- Get plenty of sleep because rest bolsters the immune system
- Stay active. Exercise helps strengthen the immune system and increases the body's natural virus-killing cells.
- Eat a balanced diet.
How can I tell if it is a cold or the Flu?
| |
Symtoms of a Cold |
Symtoms of the Flu |
| Onset |
gradual |
sudden |
| Fever |
rare |
high (over 101F); lasts 3-4 days |
| Cough |
hacking |
nonproductive; can be severe |
| Headache |
rare |
prominent |
| Muscle Aches |
slight |
characteristice; can be severe |
| Fatigue/weakness |
very mild |
early and prominent |
| Extreme Exhaustion |
rare |
can last 2-3 weeks |
| Chest Discomfort |
mild to moderate |
common |
| Stuffy Nose |
very common |
sometimes |
| Sneezing |
very common |
sometimes |
| Sore Throat |
very common |
sometimes |
How can I tell I have a cold or the flu?
“Colds are a nuisance, but they generally don’t interrupt our work activities. The flu is actually a highly contagious, systematic viral infection by one of many strains of influenza virus. The flu not only infects the nose, throat, and lungs, but its symptoms can affect the whole body.”
—The Well Workplace
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