The flu is more than an annoyance. Each year, an estimated 36,000 Americans die from complications of the flu. That’s why our team at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah wants to share some information about what steps you can take to prevent the flu. Consider the Flu Shot An annual flu shot is the single best way to prevent the flu. You may wonder why you need the flu shot every year. Well, it’s because different strains of the flu are present each year, so a new version of the vaccine is formulated each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that nearly everyone age 6 months and older be vaccinated against the flu, but the flu vaccine is especially important for:

• People who suffer from asthma, diabetes, and heart or lung disease
• People age 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• Young children

But the Protection Doesn’t End There… While the flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent the flu, there are other steps you can take to protect your health. Be sure to: Wash Your Hands You come into contact with millions of germs each and every day. Flu germs can be hiding on door knobs, smartphones, keypads, etc. Therefore, every chance you get, wash your hands. While soap and water is best, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can add a layer of protection until you can get to a sink. Watch Where You’re Touching Even if you wash your hands regularly, germs still inhabit your hands. The flu virus can make its way into the body through your eyes, ears, nose and mouth. As a result, you need to watch where you put your hands. Try not to touch your face when you’re out and about, unless you’ve just washed them. Try to Avoid Exposure to People Who Are Sick If someone you know, such as a loved one or coworker, comes down with the flu or another illness, try to stay away from that person for a day or two. If you’re the one who is sick, be sure to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and/or cough, drink plenty of fluids, and get lots of rest to help recover from the illness as quickly as possible. If you can, stay home from work and other activities to avoid infecting others. It’s not too late to receive a flu shot! Visit AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah to get one today—no appointment necessary.