Union County, NJ – With a powerful flu season in full swing throughout New Jersey and most of the country, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that the County home page, ucnj.org, now includes a one-stop link for easy access to information about preventing and treating the flu, including an online vaccination location finder.
The direct link is ucnj.org/what-to-do-about-the-flu.
“We’ve compiled material from the Centers for Disease Control and other sources that provide solid, reliable guidance on how to prevent the flu, and how to help the recovery process along if you catch it,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “I urge all County residents to take a few minutes and visit ucnj.org/what-to-do-about-the-flu, to stay informed and aware.”
The flu is caused by a virus that spreads through droplets from the nose and mouth. When people cough or sneeze, the droplets spread through the air and can make other people sick. The flu virus can also live on objects such as a table or phone, and enter a person’s body when they touch the object and then touch their nose, eyes, or mouth.
The flu spreads easily from person to person. You can spread the flu even before you know you are sick and for a week after you get sick.
To help your family avoid the flu, you can do the following:
- Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu. Flu season will probably last a few more months, so it’s not too late to get a vaccine. It can be given as a shot or a nose spray.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds many times during the day. If you do not have soap and water, use a hand sanitizer and rub your hands together for 20 seconds.
- Always cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, cough into your elbow.
- Stay home if you feel sick. Keep children at home and away from other people if they do not feel well.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Wear a mask if you must be near sick people.
Carter also suggested that residents check their medicine cabinets and make sure they have a thermometer, fever reducers and any other necessary over-the-counter medications on hand.
In addition to ucnj.org/what-to-do-about-the-flu, many more details about flu prevention and treatment are available from the Centers for Disease Control at www.flu.gov.
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