Experts agree that preventing the flu is the best way to fight the disease. "Getting a flu shot and taking proper precautions to stop the spread of the disease are essential to keeping you and your family healthy," said John Fox, MD, an epidemiologist and Priority Health's associate vice president for Medical Affairs.

"Getting a flu shot and taking proper precautions to stop the spread of the disease are essential to keeping you and your family healthy"

Helpful tips to prevent the spread of the disease include:

- Frequent hand-washing with soap and water. Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for use during travel.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough.
- When you're sick, stay home to prevent the spread of the illness.

The most important way to protect yourself - and others - is to get the flu shot. The shot is available at primary care doctors' offices, local departments of public health and at many in-network pharmacies. The Centers for Disease Control recommends everyone age 6 months and older be immunized against the flu virus beginning with the 2010-11 flu season. Immunization against the flu virus is particularly important for individuals most vulnerable to flu complications. Those particularly at risk include: pregnant women, children under 5, people 50 years of age and older, individuals with chronic medical conditions, people living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and those who live with or care for those at high risk including health care workers.

"The flu can be prevented by following simple practices like hand washing," said Fox. "Preventive services like immunizations against the flu are a covered benefit for Priority Health members. We encourage our members to protect themselves and their loved ones this flu season by getting immunized."

Source:
Priority Health