Protect yourself and others this cold and flu seasonCold and flu season is here, and it's a rough one. While both cause sneezing, coughing, and runny noses, flu symptoms are often more severe and can include fever, fatigue, and body aches.Just because people around you are sick, you don't have to get sick, too. You can keep yourself healthy by practicing a little proactive prevention. And if you do catch a cold or flu, be mindful to help protect others.Handy tips for staying healthyWash your hands often.Frequent hand washing helps protect you from whatever bug is going around. Plain soap works just as well as antibacterial soap.Use hand sanitizer.The alcohol in sanitizer gels and wipes helps kill cold and flu viruses you pick up from any surface you touch.Keep your face hands-free.Try not to rub your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs can enter your body this way, or be spread from your hands to others.Get your flu vaccine.Please call the flu shot hotline at1-866-70-NO-FLU (1-866-706-6358)for vaccine availability and locations.If you get sick, be kind to yourself and othersStay home and rest.Limit your exposure to others. Young children, seniors, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of getting sick.Drink lots of fluids.Hot herbal tea, warm water, and chicken soup are especially good for congestion (runny or stuffy nose).Treat your aches and fever.Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol*) or ibuprofen (such as Advil*) can help provide relief. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label, especially for children. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without using fever-reducing medicine.Cover your sneeze or cough.Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve to trap the germs. If you cough into your hands, wash them as soon as you can. Use disposable tissues and throw them away immediately after each use.Viruses – not bacteria – cause colds, flu, and chest colds. Antibiotics don't kill viruses, so they don't work for colds or flu.Don't let a cold or flu become a setback. Stay well this season and thrive.If you reasonably believe you have an emergency medical condition, which is a medical or psychiatric condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent serious jeopardy to your health, call911or go to the nearest Emergency Department. For the complete definition of an emergency medical condition, please refer to yourEvidence of Coverage (EOC).*Kaiser Permanentedoes not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.
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