At a community like South Coast Post Acute, we take cold and flu season seriously and feel you should as well.
Each year, as much as 20% of the U.S. population will get the flu, landing around 200,000 people in the hospital. Around 49,000 people die from flu-related symptoms each year, and the average cost of hospitalizations and outpatient doctor visits related to the flu is an astounding $10-billion. Millions more get the common cold this time of year; adults average two-to-three colds a year, and with younger people, the number is even higher.
While it may seem unavoidable, you don’t have to get sick. We have a list of ways you can keep exposure to cold and flu germs to a minimum:
- Since viruses that cause colds can spread the illness rom infected people to others through the air and by close personal contact, avoid touching other people as much as you possibly can. Don’t shake hands with strangers (a fist bump will suffice – if you need to, politely explain that you’re trying to keep illnesses to a minimum this year) and avoid hugging and kissing others.
- Another thing to avoid: touching surfaces, like doorknobs and computer keyboards, that are breeding grounds for germs and viruses. If you must come in contact with them, wash them down with disinfectant spray and wash your hands afterward with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- If you feel a sneeze or cough coming on, move away from others and sneeze into a tissue or the elbow of a long-sleeved shirt.
- Whether or not you’ve been touching potentially contagious surfaces, wash your hands vigorously with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds) frequently during the day. In between washings, keep that hand sanitizer handy.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- If you know someone is sick, stay away from them. This is one of the easiest ways to avoid getting sick yourself.
At South Coast Post Acute, we proactively limit the spread of infection throughout our community to ensure you remain in optimal health while in post-hospital care.
Contact us today to learn more!
Real People. Remarkable Care. South Coast Post Acute.