Healthy Habits: Flu-Proof Your Home

According to the CDC, this year’s flu strain could be severe. And with holidays and family gatherings taking place later this month, now is the time to “flu-proof” your home. 

Those tiny droplets from coughing, sneezing and talking can spread to others as far as six feet away, making those with flu germs highly contagious, even if they aren’t yet showing symptoms.

To minimize the spread of germs from person-to-person (and state-to-state if you’re traveling), here are a few tips to flu proof your home:

• Get the flu shot now: Many people believe they should wait until later in the year or when flu peaks to get vaccinated. While the CDC is reporting that flu activity is low, it takes two weeks for the body’s immune system to fully protect against the flu. Now is the best time to get a shot is before the season starts.
• Don’t forget to clean these germy items: Cleaning before and after guests come over will help disinfect any flu germs. Don’t forget about some of the germiest items we may not clean as often - TV controllers, kitchen sponges, hand towels, cutting boards, children’s toys and faucet handles and knobs.
• Wash, wash, wash: Whether it’s before or after eating or after touching your eyes, nose and mouth, it’s critical to wash hands often, especially in a group setting. Use paper towels or disposable towelettes to limit the transfer of germs. 
• Stay home if you’re sick: According to a new CityMD survey, 75 percent of people under 35 years old admitted leaving the house last time they had the flu. Stay home if sick to prevent the spread of the flu, especially if you will be around infants or the elderly, who are more susceptible to the illness. 

MedExpress Urgent Care, a neighborhood medical provider with more than 200 centers in 18 states, typically sees an increase in visits to its centers around the holidays and are well-versed in cold and flu season.