Just when you thought it was safe to send the kids back to school or go back to work, the flu rears its ugly head. The flu is a fickle fellow. It usually hits people hard early in fall, only to return with a vengeance after the holidays. Don’t let it get the better of you and your family! Arm yourself with these defenses to show the flu who’s boss.
Get a Flu Shot
The best defense is a good offense, and the flu vaccine is your best shot. It’s never too late to get a flu shot. Most pharmacists and doctors offer flu shots throughout the winter, depending on availability. Once vaccinated, your immune system takes a couple of weeks to build a resistance. While the flu vaccine works most effectively in the months following the vaccination, it will decline over time. This, and the ever-evolving flu virus, is why the CDC suggests updating your flu shot annually for the best protection.
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Wash Your Hands
There’s no substitute for good hygiene. Wash your hands often and regularly using soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap isn’t available. Most of us don’t realize how much we touch our eyes, nose and mouth during the day and if you’ve just handled a germy pen or doorknob, you’ve just given the flu virus, or any other type of germ or bacteria, an open invitation to infect you. Aside from a flu shot, hand washing is one of the best ways to defend yourself against the flu. Make it a habit to wash your hands after a bathroom break, before you eat, after being in public places, or after being in someone’s cough or sneeze radius.
Disinfect … Everything
Yes, everything. Use a household disinfectant on toys, doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, appliances and anything else that comes in contact with your possibly contagious fingers. Remember, the flu is an airborne virus that can travel as far as 10 feet and can settle on a variety of surfaces; gross. Don’t forget the bathroom. Spray disinfecting cleaner on toilet handles, toilet seats, faucets, showers, tubs and sinks. Grab the entire family’s toothbrushes and boil for one minute in water and vinegar, put them through the dishwasher or just toss and buy new.
For The Love of Pete – Stay Home
If the flu moves in, despite all of your precautions, do everyone a favor and stay home or wear a mask while you are out and about. Consider this your way of paying it forward. If you get saddled with a fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches, and exhaustion, your best place is in bed. This is the time to rely on loved ones to pick up the slack. It’s ok, relax, sleep and get better. Everyone who doesn’t get the flu from you, will thank you.
Get Some Housecleaning Help
When illness strikes, it’s time for a deep cleaning. This means new toothbrushes, hot-laundered linens, disinfected doorknobs and surfaces, and a down-and-dirty scrubbing. If you don’t have the energy or the time to give your house the disinfecting it deserves, you are in luck—we know just the folks to do it. Our 22-Step Healthy touch Deep Cleaning System ensures no surface of your home goes untouched. We guarantee to leave it much healthier than how we found it. Contact us today to start shoring up your flu defenses.
