7 Easy Ways to Prevent the FluGuide to Protecting You & Your Employees this Season

Flu Facts:

• In the United States, an average of 5%-20% of the population contracts the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications.

• Each year, the flu costs businesses approximately $10.4 billion in direct costs for hospitalizations and outpatient visits. 

• Employees who get the flu vaccination have 18%-45% fewer lost workdays

• While the flu season can be unpredictable regarding length and severity, there are preventative steps you can take to protect you and your family from the virus.

Step #1: Get Vaccinated

• The single best way to prevent the flu is to receive a yearly vaccination.

• Employees who are vaccinated against the flu have 13%-44% fewer health care visits

Step #2: Avoid Close Contact

• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick and keep your distance from others if you are sick.

• People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. 

Step #3: Stay Home

• Most healthy adults may be able to infect other people beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.

Step #4: Cover Your Mouth & Nose

• When you sneeze or cough, be sure to cover your mouth and nose to decrease the spread of germs which cause the flu virus.

• Droplets from sneezing or coughing can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Step #5: Clean Your Hands

• Simple hand washing with soap and water can reduce flu infections by more than 50%.

• Viruses like the flu can live for 2 or more hours on surfaces outside the body

Step #6: Avoid Touching Your Face

• Reduce the chance of infection by avoiding touching your eyes, mouth and nose as germs are commonly spread when you touch something that has been contaminated.

Step #7: Practice Good Health Habits

• Be sure to clean and disinfect commonly touched or used objects, get plenty of sleep, drink water and eat good, nutritious meals.

Best 7 Ways to Protect Against the Flu

1. Get vaccinated

2. Avoid close contact

3. Stay home

4. Cover your mouth and nose

5. Clean your hands

6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

7. Practice good health habits

The Best Protection: Vaccination

As mentioned, the best protection is to have a annual flu shot. Not sure if its

right for you?

Make sure you know the facts about flu vaccination or

talk to a flu expert at HealthCare for Business at 440-354-4747.