Master Plan to Fight the Flu

Here are a few simple steps to help stave off infection this flu season.

Nearly 45,000 saliva droplets are propelled from a typical sneeze.  Hitching a ride on the saliva are millions of viruses.

Viruses shoot into the air as far as a few feet away. They can survive for hours on paper including money … even days on door knobs and countertops.

Here’s your master plan to fight the flu:

• Get your annual flu vaccine.


• Wash your hands frequently.


• Twist and wring warm soapy water around for at least 20 seconds. It’s longer than you think, so sing “Happy Birthday” twice to make sure.


• You can also use an alcohol sanitizer.


• When you sneeze or cough, do it in the crook of your elbow or into a tissue that’s immediately thrown away.


• Don’t rub your eyes, mouth, or pick your nose. Germs enter through the mucous membranes.


• Coat your nasal passages with petroleum jelly to create a barrier. This helps when you dry out, particularly during plane travel.

Finally, stay at home when you’re sick and do your friends a favor.