If you can read this, then I’m fairly confident that you know a little something about the alphabet, but I’m actually referring to your Influenza ABCs! Influenza A, B, and C are the three different kinds of flu viruses that can infect humans and animals. It’s pretty nasty stuff so, I’m going to give you a few ABCs of your own to help you protect yourself (and your pets).
Act, Be Aware, Cover your Cough
Act
First things first, get vaccinated. The CDC wants you to get your flu shot every year. Trust me, it's not that bad AND you'll probably get a sticker.
Then make sure you wash your hands. It's 5 steps. EASY!
Water and Soap
Scrub for 20 seconds (Maybe sing your ABCs?)
Rinse for 10 seconds
Turn off the faucet with a clean hand towel
Dry
Be Aware
The flu is highly contagious and likes to hang out on surfaces for 8 hours...ew. Because it's such a social butterfly, you need to know what you're looking for:
Body Aches
Chills
Cough
fever
Headache
Sore Throat
Cover your Cough
3 words: COLD. MEDICINE. COMMERCIALS.
You know… The ones with someone coughing all over people trapped in an elevator. Remember how you felt about it? I felt the same. So, if the flu decides to visit you this season, don’t be that person. Make sure to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough OR cough into your upper sleeve and NOT your hands.