December is all about staying healthy and fighting the flu. December 1-7, is National Hand Washing Awareness Week and Influenza Vaccination Week.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. This can be achieved by a visit to a variety of health providers. Your physician can normally provide a flu shot, but so can local pharmacies and clinics. Also, take actions daily, to stop the spread of harmful germs and thus the flu virus. Covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing and washing your hands often are ways to prevent germs from spreading. If you do get sick, there are prescription medications called “antiviral drugs” that can be used to treat flu symptoms.

You can also avoid getting the flu by just taking good care of yourself. Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids. Consider cutting back on caffeine and alcohol which can cause dehydration.  Keep up your exercise routine. Just because it is cold outside does not mean quit moving.

Daily preventative actions can help fight illness. Keeping surfaces clean and disinfected is a sure way to kill household germs. Wipe down handles, faucets, phones, work surfaces that you touch often. Don’t forget your work environment and the car.

You can learn more at cdc.gov, mayoclinic.org and nih.gov