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Staying Safe During Flu Season

Getting vaccinated is the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. Vaccination efforts should continue as long as influenza viruses are circulating. A limited number of flu vaccines are available at the Health Center on a first-come first-serve basis; please call the Health Center at 413-265-2288 to schedule an appointment. Remember to receive a flu vaccine every year.

You can help stop the spread of influenza and other diseases by doing the following things:

• If you get sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever (any temperature over 100F) is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to prevent the spread of germs. Cough or sneeze into your elbow and then wash your hands!
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.

While not a substitute for vaccination, these steps can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like influenza.

Additional information about the flu can be found at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website.