Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a scary report, outlining the severity of the flu this year. Due to an uptick in deaths attributed to the flu, the CDC declared the flu had reached epidemic status. While that sounds serious, there are still ways for you to ward off the flu and stay healthy this season.

The flu is particularly troublesome for children under 5 — and especially under 2 — and for adults over 65. If you, or someone you care for, fall within either group, you’ll need to be a little more prepared than the average person. The good news is the easiest way for you to keep everyone healthy is to get a flu shot. At AFC Urgent Care, we know people can be reluctant to come in, but it’s the best way available to keep you and your family healthy.

Here are a few more ways to stay healthy during a severe flu season.

1. Get a flu shot. We’re repeating this on purpose! While flu shots may not protect against every strain of flu going around, it can ease your symptoms so they aren’t as severe. If you’ve had the flu, you know feeling a little better is better than feeling worse!

2. Know your germ zones. If you touch it, other people have touched it. That means doorknobs, ATMs, the gas pump, the pen at the bank, etc. Be aware of these areas where people routinely come in contact with one another. A sleeve, or a palmful of hand sanitizer, can help keep you away from harmful flu germs in public spaces.

3. Wash your hands. If you forget that germy people have touched the ATM, it’s too late to save yourself. Wash your hands with warm water and soap. And take your time! A thorough scrub is one way to keep germs at bay. Hand washing protects you from a variety of viruses and bacteria like the flu and the common cold.

4. Keep it clean. We mean everything! Your hands, your desk and even your home can harbor flu viruses, depending on who’s been there. Countertops, desktops, coffee pots, telephones and other commonly touched areas should be cleaned with disinfectant or wipes. According to NBC News, the best time to clean is after visitors have been there a while to avoid recontamination later on.

5. Keep your distance. Staying away from people who are sick is another way to make sure you’re healthy throughout flu season. People are always coughing, sneezing and otherwise “germifying” themselves. Make sure those germs keep to themselves, too! A few feet of space between you and sickness is enough to keep you healthy!

Don’t let the flu get you down this season. Take reasonable precautions and come visit our offices and get a flu shot! We’re here to help you stay healthy!

Do you have a favorite flu remedy that works for you? Share your ideas with us!