7 Tips To Help AVOID The Flu From MinuteClinic

This is a partnered post with MinuteClinic. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

The flu is something that we all want to avoid! Did you know that the flu can be spread before someone even realizes that they are sick? Most healthy adults can infect others 1 day before and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. There is no certain season for the flu, it is a nasty respiratory infection that can be caught any time of the year.

Try some of these daily tips to keep healthy and help to prevent cold and avoid the flu:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after you cough or sneeze. When you wash, wet hands thoroughly, work up a lather and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based sanitizer is not as effective as hand-washing but it’s a great alternative.
2. 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.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as germs can spread easily that way.
4. Avoid contact with those who are sick. Flu is believed to be mainly spread from person-to-person contact (coughing and sneezing doesn’t help!)
5. If you are sick, stay home from school or work to keep others from getting infected.
6. Disinfect surfaces. Use a product that kills household germs and be sure to thoroughly wipe down handles, faucets and all surfaces that you touch often – don’t forget your workspace and car! If you use public transportation, be sure to wash your hands as soon as you get to your destination.
7. Think you might be sick? Don’t wait and see – get help right away! Early flu treatment (within 72 hours of exposure to the virus) has been proven to reduce the length and severity of illness. If you think you might have the flu or have been exposed to someone with the flu, see a health care professional right away.

For those looking to get a flu shot for some extra protection MinuteClinic offers a variety of flu shots that will help protect you from catching the flu. When you get a flu shot you will also receive a 20% of CVS/pharmacy shopping pass too!