As we transition from summer to fall, we also head into flu season. So, as you dust off those boots and jackets, take some time to go over these five simple strategies you can use to protect yourself and those around you.

1. Get your annual flu shot

The flu vaccine is the best protection against the flu. It reduces your chance of getting sick and helps to protect others around you who cannot be vaccinated. Even if you do get sick, being vaccinated significantly reduces the severity of the illness. Everyone ages 6 months and older should get the annual flu shot. The ideal time to get a flu vaccine is September-October. This makes sure that you are protected during the height of flu season. However, if you are unable to get a flu shot until later in the year, you are still encouraged to do so. Talk to your doctor or visit a pharmacy to get vaccinated.

To find where you can receive a flu vaccine, visit VDH's Vaccine Provider Locator. 

2. Wash your hands often

Washing your hands regularly is one of the best and simplest ways to prevent yourself from getting sick. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If there is no soap or water available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Learn when you should wash your hands.

Learn when you should wash your hands.

3. Cover your coughs and sneezes

Coughing and sneezing can spread germs to others. Always cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, not with your hands. Make sure to throw out tissues and wash your hands immediately after.

4. Clean surfaces regularly and avoid touching your face

When you touch your eyes, nose and mouth germs on your hands can enter your body and make you sick. Clean frequently touched surfaces such as countertops, handrails and doorknobs regularly. Make sure to wash your hands at key times, like before touching your face, putting in contacts and eating.

5. Stay home when sick

Staying home when sick is important in preventing illness from spreading to others. Stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both:

• Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
• You have not had a fever without using fever-reducing medication.

When you return to your normal activities take extra care to not spread illness to others, as you could still be contagious. Consider wearing a mask when around others indoors or keeping a distance from others for the next 5 days.

While flu might feel like a simple cold for some people, it can cause serious illness, especially for young children, older adults and people with chronic health conditions. If you are in one of these high-risk groups, speak to your healthcare provider to determine if treatment is right for you.

Don’t let flu get in the way of your fall plans. Get vaccinated and practice these prevention strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones.