How do you keep the flu away?

STEUBEN COUNTY - This time of year brings holiday celebrations, but for many it can also bring sickness, bed rest and days home from work and school. The American Red Cross Greater Steuben Chapter encourages local residents to stay healthy and help prevent the spread of illness, including colds and flu.

"We encourage people in our community to take a preventive approach to the flu season, rather than reacting once they become sick," says Red Cross Health and Safety expert Candi Thompson. "If you practice some basic hygiene, along with healthy habits, you're less likely to get a flu or cold. And you're less likely to pass those illnesses on to others."

Here are some suggestions from the Red Cross for keeping the flu away:

Protect yourself from becoming ill

• Build and maintain resistance. A healthy body is more resistant to any illness. A healthy diet, including nutritious foods and foods rich in Vitamin C, is a good start. Get plenty of rest, avoid stress and exercise consistently.

• Wash away the worry. Flu virus is often transmitted through touch. Keeping your hands clean is one of the easiest and best ways to prevent the spread of any disease, including the flu. Wash your hands for at least 15 seconds with antibacterial soap and hot water to kill germs. Scrub your fingers and clean under your fingernails, where germs and bacteria can hide.

• Carry protection. It isn't easy to keep hands clean for people who spend a lot of time in public places, such as shopping malls, restaurants and public bathrooms. Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer gels or wipes available for use when you're on the go.

• Keep the environment clean. Look around your home, car and office. Which surfaces are touched most often by others? When a sick person touches a telephone, computer keyboard, doorknob or faucet, illness can be transmitted to the next person who touches those surfaces.

• Keep your distance. If you notice that someone nearby appears to have flu symptoms, keep your distance and avoid touching the same objects.

• Get a flu shot. Medical experts say the best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year. At-risk groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic medical conditions should consider getting an annual flu shot. Sometimes local organizations and employers offer free vaccinations at the onset of flu season.

Protecting others, if you become ill

• Keep it to yourself. Those around you will be much happier if you don't make them sick. Many people use their hand to cover their mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing, but may transfer the virus to the next few things they touch, such as a doorknob, keyboard, stapler or other surface. Coughing into a sleeve is better. A handy, disposable tissue is best.

• Stay home if you're sick. If you have the flu, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the illness to others. They will really appreciate it.

Suggestions for educating your family

The American Red Cross offers the Scrubby Bear - Personal Hygiene program to teach children ages 4 to 7 how germs are spread, how to prevent the spread of disease and how to properly wash their hands. For more information, contact The Greater Steuben Chapter of The American Red Cross at 1-877-754-3711 or visit us online at www.gsredcross.org.