The flu is epidemic according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Emergency rooms and medical offices are overflowing. Some local retailers such as Kroger and Walgreens have exhausted flu vaccine supplies. According to the CDC, this year’s vaccine is 62 percent effective meaning only 60% of people exposed to the virus will not become infected.
So what do you do if you are not sick? You can’t just hide out at home all day and wait for the epidemic to diminish. You have to go to work, store, school, and church.
Some suggestions:
- Educate yourself about the flu and how it spreads.
- Be proactive with vaccines to prevent (if available) or antivirals when symptoms first appear.
- Take preventative measures as outlined in this CDC preventative resources (see link).
- Start some easy practices such as limit hand shaking, wash hands regularly, and refrain from touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands.
So, if I don’t shake your hand or if I wash my hands right after shaking yours – it’s not that I don’t like you. I don’t want your cooties (flu germs) or you to get mine – let’s beat the flu this year.
