Influenza (Flu) Precautions

Flu Vaccine

To help keep you healthy, we would like to remind you of the importance of getting your annual flu vaccine. Vaccines are available from your primary care provider or local flu vaccination events, area pharmacies, and possibly your workplace.

The CDC recommends vaccination for everyone six months and older. Even if you have already gotten sick with flu, you can still benefit from a flu vaccine, and getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.

Now, more than ever, it is important to get your flu vaccine.

If you obtain your flu vaccine outside of your primary care location, contact your provider's office so that your immunization record can be updated.

Flu Prevention Tips

In addition to a flu vaccine, the CDC outlines other steps you can take to protect yourself and others from the flu and help stop the spread of germs.

1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu and other serious respiratory illnesses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), are spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands.
4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Flu Treatment

Antiviral drugs may be used to treat flu illness, and the CDC recommends prompt treatment for people who have flu infection or suspected flu infection. Contact your primary care provider or visit Barton Urgent Care if you suspect you have a flu. Please wear a mask upon entry at these office.

Differences Between COVID-19, Influenza and the Common Cold