Get Vaccinated

Not everyone wants to take the time to get a flu vaccination, but there are several reasons why you should. For one, it’s often covered by your insurance. Also, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, yearly flu vaccinations are extremely important for people at high risk of serious flu-related complications, including

• Individuals 65 years of age or older
• People with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, or asthma
• Very young children
• Pregnant women

Anyone over the age of six months can, and should, get the vaccine yearly in order to be prepared and to stay healthy throughout the cold and flu season. It’s important to reduce your chances of becoming infected with the flu, not only for yourself, but also to protect family members or coworkers who may be at risk for flu-related complications. The flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu this season.

Preventing the Flu

There are a number of other ways you can guard against the flu and keep it from spreading, even after getting the vaccine. The CDC suggests covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, washing your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water or hand sanitizer, and avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes when possible. Finally, make sure you are taking good care of yourself and your health by getting at least seven hours of sleep every night, drinking water, taking a daily vitamin, and staying active.

Avoid Presenteeism

Here’s a great tip for flu season preparation—remind yourself that it’s not always the responsible choice to go to work when you are sick. If you manage other employees, spread the word to them as well. Presenteeism in the workplace is one of the biggest causes of sickness-related work loss, resulting in loss of productivity. You may think you are helping by toughing it out and coming in to work, but it may actually make things harder for everyone in the long run, including yourself. It is often best to stay home if you’re feeling under the weather.

Choose RelyMD

For those who want to avoid the flu and help protect their families during the cold and flu season this year, telemedicine through RelyMD is a convenient and low-cost healthcare option. You don’t have to wait in line, or sit in a crowded waiting room, exposed to germs or viruses from the other patients who are also waiting to see a doctor. Additionally, the telemedicine program gives you a late-night alternative for treatment, since care is available 24/7.