Influenza
WashYourHandsington—where everyone washes their hands, covers their cough, and gets a flu vaccine
The flu spreads easily from person-to-person by coughing and sneezing. Flu can make anyone sick, especially people who are at greater risk for serious flu-related complications.
Join your fellow residents of 'WashYourHandsington' and follow these three basic steps to help prevent the spread of the influenza virus:
Cover your cough (keep your germs to yourself)...
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose. Discard used tissues as soon as you can, and always wash your hands after.
- Try to stay home if you have a cough and fever.
- See your doctor as soon as you can if you have a cough and fever, and follow their instructions. Take medicine as prescribed and get lots of rest.
...wash your hands (keep those germs away)...
- Wash your hands before eating, or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Wash your hands after touching anyone who is sneezing, coughing or blowing their nose.
- Don't share things like towels, lipstick, toys—and don't share food, utensils or beverages
Remember to always use warm water and soap to wash your hands. If you don't have soap and water, use alcohol-base hand gel or disposable wipes.
...and get vaccinated!
- This year, the Washington State Department of Health is advising everyone six months and older get a yearly flu shot to protect themselves and their loved ones.
To find an immunization clinic, contact your physician, use the agency's Flu News website, or call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.
Do your part to help Washington be the state where people "give high-fivers, not high fevers!"
For more information:
The Washington State Department of Health's Seasonal Flu website
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Seasonal Flu website
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