By paNOW Staff

Hand-washing best way to kill flu bug: Parkland Ambulance

Nov 1, 2017 | 12:00 PM

Parkland Ambulance paramedics passed on some flu-prevention tips to help keep everyone healthy during influenza season.

Spokesperson Lyle Karasiuk said there are three simple tips which, if followed, can dramatically reduce your risk of getting sick. Handwashing is the most important, Karasiuk said, but it’s also important to cover up when coughing to prevent the spread of the virus. It’s also important to stay home from school or work if you’re feeling unwell, he said, because you could be putting others at risk of infection.

“Often we don’t wash our hands enough to keep them clean,” Karasiuk said. “Touching a surface spreads those germs around.”

Influenza presents with a fever, muscle pains and chills, Karasiuk said, and symptoms may linger for several days. Flu is much more serious than a common cold, he said, and an affected person will often feel and appear quite ill. If you believe you have the flu, Karasiuk said it’s a bad idea to go into the office.

“Think of the others; your families, your friends, your co-workers, who might come down with something that you’re carrying,” Karasiuk said. “If you’re feeling really sick, stay home.”

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Flu vaccines are also important to preventing the spread of the disease, he said. While the flu vaccine will not provide complete immunity from influenza, Karasiuk said it can lessen the symptoms and protect the population as a whole.

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