Flu & Cold Prevention

There are two main ways you can prevent the flu. One is to avoid contact with people or animals you know are infected as well as maintaining good health and hygiene. The other way is to get a flu/influenza vaccine. Vaccines are most recommended for children and elderly, although people of all ages can benefit from them.

Vaccination usually occurs shortly before the flu season which is in winter. This protects a person for the entire flu season. However, even those who are vaccinated may still get influenza, because the vaccine can't possibly cover all strains in a given season. However, a vaccine dramatically reduces the risk that you will get the flu.

To prevent spreading the flu to others, you should wash your hands regularly, cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze, and use alcohol as a disinfectant on surfaces.