As the temperature drops and we get into flu and cold season, there are several ways to prevent yourself from getting the flu and cold this year. Here are 9 tips to follow this season to help keep you healthy!
- Flu vaccination- The best thing you can do. Check with your physician before getting the flu shot.
- Wash your hands with soap and water- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after touching common objects such as doorknobs and telephones.
- Carry hand sanitizer- Sometimes, there may not be a way to wash your hands, so use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol-based.
- Avoid touching your face- Germs can infect you through touching your eyes and mouth, so try to avoid touching your face.
- Get sufficient sleep- Lack of sleep can affect your immune system by making you more susceptible to getting sick after being exposed, and can affect how fast you recover.
- Get active- By following a regular exercise routine, such as walking twice a week or doing Zumba twice a week, you accelerate the circulation of white blood cells which play a big role in the body to fight off the common cold.
- Avoid people who are sick- If you hear someone cough or sneeze, keep your distance in case they may be sick. Also, it is best to not shake hands because that is a way to transfer germs.
- Eat healthy- This includes green leafy vegetables that have many vitamins that help you get a balanced diet and support your immune system.
- Stay hydrated- Drink fluids such as water, juice, or soup and stay away from coffee and caffeine. Staying hydrated stops viruses from entering your body by keeping the mucus membranes of the nasal passages moist.
About the Author
Hi! My name is Tabitha Andrus and I am an Education & Community Outreach intern from Saginaw Valley State University. In May, I will be graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and minor in Gerontology. After graduation, I would like to get a certificate to become a Certified Health Education Specialist. Fall of 2021, I plan to go on to get my Master’s in Public Health from SVSU as well. I am completing my internship with Trena Winans, the Education & Community Outreach Program Director. So far, I have learned the best way to complete a goal you set is to make an action plan and have support from people around you to help you reach it! Outside of school and my internship, I enjoy spending time at my family’s cabin with my family and playing with my Goldendoodle and Irishdoodle!
Time to Get Your Flu Shot!
The Midland County Health Department has scheduled their flu clinics for 2020. In order to maintain social distancing, they will be holding the clinics out in the community this year.
Each clinic will reserve 9-10 am for the vulnerable and elderly population. The vaccine clinics will be open to the general public from 10 am-6 pm.
HOLIDAY INN CONFERENCE CENTER, 810 CINEMA DRIVE
Tuesday, November 3
HOMER TWP. FIRE DEPT. 222 S HOMER RD
Wednesday, October 28
Wednesday, November 18
Although they prefer you come inside for the vaccine, they will also be offering drive-thru services. If you would like to utilize this service, please fill out the flu form online at https://www.co.midland.mi.us/HealthDepartment/FluClinics.aspx and the Covid Screener, to be brought with you to the clinic. Please let their staff know if you were not able to access the form online. Staff will come to your car and complete the form for you. There will be a 2 person limit for people in the vehicles.
Please bring your insurance card. They are able to provide the vaccine with no “out of pocket cost” if you have no insurance, or if they are not able to bill your insurance. Flu shots are also available by appointment in their Immunization clinic. For questions or to schedule an appointment call the Midland County Health Department at (989) 832-6665.
Senior Services offered Drive-thru Flu Shot clinics at Trailside, Sanford and Coleman in September, offering a convenient way for seniors to become vaccinated for the upcoming flu season. Carlla Mowery, Care Coordination Client, offers her feedback, “I had worried about how, when, and where we would get our flu shots because we both have chronic health problems that place us at high risk for contracting illness in public places. Thank you for the drive-thru clinic. I would love to see the same program provided when a COVID-19 vaccine is made available.”