As we enter the end of the calendar year and approach the fall and winter season, many people are cooped up inside, and more than likely sharing space with their loved ones who are coughing and sneezing.  While you may not be able to completely prevent you and your loved ones from getting sick every year, practicing good hygiene can leave you unscathed this flu season.  Here are a few ways you can.

Get your family vaccinated

Getting your annual flu shot is one of the most effective ways to prevent you and your family against this year’s flu strand.  If your family’s doctor is unavailable to provide your family with this year’s flu shot, head over to your local urgent care center for walk-in seasonal flu shots.  Although there is a possibility you could get sick, a flu shot can lessen the severity and duration of your symptoms.

Wash your hands frequently

Another effective way to prevent the spread of germs and colds is simply washing your hands properly and frequently.  And whether you’re a nail bitter or nibbling finger foods, your hands are always busy and may have found their way into your mouth, not to mention your nose and eyes.  This is an easy way for germs to get inside your body and lead to illnesses and infections.  Make your way to your nearest sink to wash away some of those cold germs.

Sanitize hard surfaces

Regularly sanitizing your home’s hard surfaces such as doorknobs, stair rails, phones and remote controls can keep germs at bay.  Minimizing exposure to germs and bacteria can help prevent your family from getting sick with a cold or the flu.

If you think your office needs a thorough cleaning, wipe down areas that gets touched frequently such as microwaves, fax-machines keys, doorknobs, and elevators, and keep your desk space clean, too.

Cover your nose and mouth for sneezes and coughs

Avoid spreading colds and flu germs by coughing or sneezing into your elbow, or a tissue if one is nearby.

Stay home when you’re sick

You may want to teach your kids the importance of working hard, and you may feel as though you have too much to get done at the office, but it’s better to stay home from school or work when you’re sick, to prevent the spread of cold and flu germs.

Treatment at AFC Urgent Care West Long Branch

Our urgent care center can treat your cold and flu-like symptoms seven days a week, on a walk-in basis.  For more information about the services we provide, please call us at 732-222-8000.