Prevention Tips for Influenza
What Every Registered Nurse Should Know
Amidst all the news about the spread of novel coronavirus COVID -19, it's worth remembering the flu is still something to be concerned about. The best thing to do is to get a flu shot; then spend the winter months on increased alert, doing whatever it takes to stay healthy.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months old and older be vaccinated. Health professionals are expected to provide cold and flu prevention tips among the uninitiated.
CDC Approved Flu Prevention Tips for R.N.s and Their Patients
- Get your flu shot: This is your first and best defense!
- Daily Multivitamin: Take a daily vitamin, particularly one that’s high in Vitamin C, it does your immune system a favor.
- Use plenty of hand soap and antibacterial lotions at home and pre/post every patient contact.
- Try a Little Garlic: This natural herb is great for maintaining a healthy immune system. Travel nurses on the go may find taking garlic in the form of a daily supplement is the simplest.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Up to 8 glasses of H20 a day are recommended year round, and even more important during flu season.
- Get Some Exercise: It’s a known fact that when your body temperature elevates, it helps your blood do a better job of cleaning out the toxins. So get moving!
- Try to Relax: When stress levels run high so do cortisol levels—not a friend to your immune system.
So, are you motivated to go out and get your flu shot? R.N.s who work for top staffing agencies are required to show annual proof of inoculation or flu shot via nasal spray. Find a flu shot near you by clicking on this government link. R.N.s may also want to check out flu facts, in addition to other online features that let you track the rate of flu in your area, etc.
Almost every healthcare facility requires its nurses to receive a flu vaccine. Although it does not provide protection against other viruses such as COVID-19, protection against other common viruses is always advisable. Call 1-800-996-2206 or apply online for travel nurse jobs in all 50 U.S. states that keep you healthy and wealthy during flu season and all year round. Stay healthy everyone!