Getting sick with a cold or the flu is never fun. But it can particularly disrupt your life around this time of year by canceling vacation plans, missing or performing poorly on a final exam, or interfering with your holiday activities. The single best way to prevent the flu to begin with is by getting vaccinated (see October 1st blog post or UCI Student Health Center http://www.shc.uci.edu/index.aspx). However, whether you choose to or not the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends the following best practices to keep you healthy and feeling good throughout the season:
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. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3) Cover Your Mouth & Nose: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
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.
For additional information on these practices as well as some good handout materials please visit the CDC @ http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm
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