Flu Vaccines and Prevention

 

Flu and Covid immunizations are provided to State Employees and Retirees at State worksites from September 30th through November 7th. For more information including FAQ's and directions to vaccination sites visit the LiveWell Vermont Programming page. Schedule your appointment now at kinneydrugs.com/livewellvermont/.

According to the CDC, the single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated each year, but preventive actions like avoiding people who are sick, covering your cough and washing your hands also can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like flu. The tips and resources below will help you learn about actions you can take to protect yourself and others from flu and help stop the spread of germs.

1. Avoid close contact.
   Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too. 
2. Stay home when you are sick.
   If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you’re sick. You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
   • Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
   • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).

3. Cover your mouth and nose.
   Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. Wearing a mask is an additional prevention strategy that you can choose to do to further protect yourself and others. When worn by a person with an infection, masks reduce the spread of the virus to others. Masks can also protect wearers from breathing in infectious particles from people around them.
4. Clean your hands.
   Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
   Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Take steps for cleaner air.
   You can improve air quality by bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air or gathering outdoors. Cleaner air can reduce the risk of exposure to viruses.
7. Practice good hygiene and other healthy habits.
   Cleaning frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs regularly can help prevent the spread of some illnesses. Also, get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.