Staying Healthy During the Fall
As the temperatures begin to decline and the days get shorter, marking the end of the summer and the start of the fall—and cold and flu season. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can protect yourself from getting sick during the colder months.
Get Vaccinated
Although it’s possible to get the flu at any time of year, influenza activity tends to ramp up during the colder months, affecting millions of Americans each year. Although good health habits can help to stop the spread of the virus, getting vaccinated is the single most effective way to do so.
According to the CDC, everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year to effectively reduce their risk of getting sick or experiencing any related health complications.
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands is often another way you can help protect yourself and the people around you from getting sick. However, it is important that you are washing your hands properly for it to be effective.
Follow these steps each and every time you wash your hands to halt germs in their tracks:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water.
- Lather your hands with soap, being sure to get the back of your hands and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands with clean, running water.
- Dry your hands with a disposable hand towel or air dry them.
Build a Wellness Kit
Whether you’re heading to work, school, or the grocery store, it’s inevitable that you’ll encounter germs when you use shared spaces and surfaces. While you can’t avoid the germs themselves, you can do your best to prevent the spread of them by keeping a few items handy.
Keep these items in your bookbag, purse, or even in your car to help keep yourself free of germs:
- Face mask of cloth face covering
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfectant wipes
- A pack of tissues
Contact Kirby Medical Center
At Kirby Medical Center, we are dedicated to helping our community learn how to stay healthy and safe. If you are concerned about your health risks and the types of vaccines that are right for you,
contact Kirby Medical Center at 217-762-2115 to learn more about how we can assist with all your healthcare needs.