Ounce of prevention best medicine for flu

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall, experts say.

The American Lung Association in Partnership with Maxim Health Systems has developed an electronic influenza vaccine clinic locator.

Go online to the website www.flucliniclocator.org, enter a zip code and a date or dates, and read the information about clinics scheduled in nearby.

Good health habits and antiviral medications are other measures that can help protect against the flu, according to sources. Another good way to avoid sickness is to keep a distance from people who are sick.

To keep from getting a cold or the flu, avoid touching hard surfaces, such as handrails, telephones, doors, faucets and counters, where flu viruses may remain alive. Wash hands frequently and avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth as much as possible.

Experts advise keeping healthy by exercising regularly, getting plenty of rest and eating healthy meals.

Antibiotics, according to sources, shouldn’t be used for a cold or flu. Antibiotics don’t work against cold and flu germs, and should only be taken when really needed, experts said.

The federal Centers of Disease Control and Prevention requests sick people to prevent spreading disease by doing the following:

•Keeping a distance from others to protect them from getting ill.

•Covering mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

•Wash hands frequently and use gel sanitizers often. When washing hands, do so for 20 seconds with hot, soapy water. For children’s hands, use warm, soapy water. Thoroughly scrub hands, wrists, fingernails and between fingers.

Studies show that proper hand washing could eliminate close to half of all cases of food-borne illness. According to recent statist i c s , women wash their hands more often than men, 74 percent versus 61 percent.

•As much as possible, avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.

—Michael Picarella