This is a partnered post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This time of year happens to be flu season. Even though colds and the flu can happen year around, outbreaks begin as early as October and tends to peak around January or later. I have four children who go to public school that have brought home more colds and germs than I can count.
Below are some daily tips from MinuteClinic to help keep you and your family healthy and help to prevent cold and flu:
- Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, and discard of the tissue in the trash. Sneeze into your sleeve if a tissue is not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as germs can spread easily that way.
- Avoid contact with those who are sick. Flu is thought to be mainly spread from person-to-person contact (coughing and sneezing doesn’t help!).
- If you’re sick, stay home from school or work to keep others from getting infected.
Another way to help avoid the flu is by getting a flu shot. Vaccination is the first line of defense against the flu. It is encouraged to eat right, get plenty of rest and to exercise but the single most effective way to avoid the flu is by getting a seasonal flu shot. Below are some of the flu shot options available:
- Regular seasonal flu shot
- Intradermal shot for those who might be squeamish about needles (approved for adults 18-64 and may not be covered by insurance)
- High dose vaccination for customers 65 years and older (provides an elevated level of antigens, which can create a stronger immune response in seniors)
Since getting a seasonal flu vaccine is the SINGLE most effective way to prevent the flu. The CDC recommends that anyone ages six months and older be vaccinated with a flu shot as soon as the vaccine becomes available.
MinuteClinic offers these flu shots and vaccinates patients that are 18 months and older. MinuteClinic is open 7 days a week with no appointment necessary. Right now everyone that gets a 20% of shopping pass when they get a flu shot at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic. To learn more about the flu visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/
These are really great tips. I get my flu shot every year. I will have to get some vitamin C i have had two colds already this season.
This is on my to-do list this week. I keep putting it off but I need that flu shot!
We definitely used the Minute Clinic! Comes in handy!!! Especially with the LONG wait at the doctor’s office just to check for ear infections and such.
I have never gotten the flu, so I have never had a need to get the flu shot. I get lots of colds, though, and I try to wash my hands A LOT.
I keep hearing about these Minute Clinics! I’m going to have to go and get my flu shot!
These are great tips. I am doing all I can to keep the cold and flu away from my house!
Great tips. And these clinics are wonderful for those look for an easy inexpensive way to get a flu shot.
I don’t even want to think about the cold and flu season but have already started loading my medicine cabinet up with essentials and vitamins to help us get through the season.
Washing your hand can prevent so many illnesses! My son is always washing his hands during cold and flu season.
I get my flu shot every year. I do not have a great immune system s o it is important to take any precautions i can. I already have my second cold of the season.
Great tips. We always get our flu shot and we haven’t (knock on wood) had the flu go through our home yet. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve only received the flu shot once in the last 8 years. But, I just may begin making it a part of my annual healthcare routine.
We never skip out on our flu shots! My husband and I always use the minute clinic to get ours!
I am constantly washing my hands with soap and water. That is a key tip for sure!
I love the Minute Clinic!! We’ve used it many times in the past. Especially for needed antibiotics for ear infections.