This winter, viruses like the flu, COVID-19, RSV, and the common cold are spreading around rapidly. These viruses are more common in colder months, especially when people are indoors more often. Protect yourself with following these suggested practices.
How to protect you and your child from illness:
- Wash your hands with soap and water often! When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Vaccinate. Keep your children up to date on their immunizations and get the whole family annual flu shots.
- Practice covering your mouth and nose into a tissue when coughing or sneezing. This can help viruses spread through droplets made when coughing, sneezing, or talking.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick. Do not return to school unless free of a fever.
- Avoid spreading germs by not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
What to do if you are feeling sick?
- Stay home. Avoid close contact with other and stay home from school or work.
- Get sufficient sleep. Extra sleep can help boost your immune system and can even shorten the duration of your illness.
- Hydrate and humidify. Drink lots of fluids like water, warm tea, and soups. Run a humidifier or spend time in a steamy bathroom to ease congestion.
- Treat your symptoms. See your doctor if symptoms get worse or won't go away.
