Story Medical Offers Strategies to Protect Yourself from Flu

NEVADA, IOWA – In recent weeks, it has become next to impossible to tune in the television, turn on the radio or open your social media feed without seeing information about the spread of the flu. It has been a rough flu season, and even as it begins to peak, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent the continued spread.

“This has been one of those seasons,” says Dr. Arthur Check of Story Medical Clinic – Nevada. “We have seen a lot more flu cases than we have in the last few years. Fortunately, there are things people can do to limit their risk of getting the virus.”

“The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year,” Dr. Check continues, “but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. Even if you’ve had the flu shot, you should practice good health habits to protect yourself.”

The CDC recommends these strategies to protect yourself:

• 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.
• Stay home when you are sick: If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
• Cover your mouth and nose: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• 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.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth: Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

“If you are experiencing symptoms of flu like fever, achy muscles, respiratory issues and a cough or congestion, we urge you to call your provider and be seen,” Dr. Check says. “We want to treat symptoms as soon as possible to prevent further complications and reduce discomfort as much as possible.”

Story Medical Clinics are located in Nevada, Maxwell and Zearing. For more information or to schedule an appointment call the Nevada clinic at 515-382-5413, the Maxwell Clinic at 515-387-8815, or the Zearing Clinic at 641-487-7779.

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