How Not to Get the Flu

Flu season is upon us. The single best way to avoid getting the flu is to get vaccinated each fall. By getting a vaccination, you also help others by not spreading the flu virus.

Make these other simple tips a part of your daily routine:

*Clean your hands often.

*Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as much as possible.

*Stay away from people who are sick.

*Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

*Get regular exercise, enough rest and eat healthy balanced meals.

*Stay home when you are sick. (If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness).

If you are HIV positive or have an impaired immune system, you should not receive the live attenuated flu vaccine (LAIV, sold commercially as FluMist).
Persons with HIV/AIDS and persons with other medical conditions are not recommended to receive the live influenza vaccine. LAIV contains a weakened form of the live influenza virus. LAIV is approved for use only among healthy persons between the ages of 5 and 49 years.