Cold & Flu Season is near

No, this bird doesn't have the flu, he was rescued last year, on the farm where I work , and made a full recovery from his fall. Cold & flu season is approaching though so I thought this would be a good time to refresh our memories on how to protect ourselves from those bugs !
It is totally personal preference as to whether or not you get a flu shot but I personally do not believe in them for my family. Go to this link if you want to know why I don't get flu shots http://www.mercola.com/2000/nov/26/flu_shots.htm but that doesn't mean you need to worry about getting the flu if you choose not to get the vaccine. A few common sense precautions will get rid of most of those germs or at least keep them from invading your space. Did you know that some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes up to 2 hours or more on surfaces like tables, doorknobs, and desks. (Ansari, 1988; Scott and Bloomfield, 1989)
Nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone. (CDC, 1996)
So what do you do ?

• Washing your hands often, with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds will help protect you from germs, more than anything else !
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
  
• If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
  
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
  
• Practice other good health habits.
  Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food that give you a variety of vitamins.

Be Aware of Common Flu Symptoms
Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:
Fever (usually high)
Headache
Tiredness (can be extreme)
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches
Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)
**Having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.** See your doctor for proper diagnosis of flu.

If you get the flu dispite your best efforts, get plenty of rest, drink a lot of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever.