Flu season is back. Use this list to keep yourself and your neighbors safe.

 

10. Get a box of sanitizing wipes

It seems like overkill. But you won't regret it when your office-mate who has been hacking all day answers your phone while you are getting a drink of water.

9. Stay hydrated

It is way easier to stay filled up on coffee and sugary drinks than water. Plus, bottled water has your colleagues calling you an Eco-destroyer. But the truth is that dehydration stresses out your body and leaves you susceptible to illness.

8. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer nearby

No message was made clearer during last year's H1N1 media blitz than the virtues of this stuff. ‘Nuf said.

7. Cough in your sleeve

That's right, your hand is no longer the preferred destination for your expectorated mucus. Doorknobs and those who use them, rejoice.

6. Wash your hands thoroughly

The rule of thumb is to scrub through one rendition of "the Birthday Song." Don't forget to wash beneath your nails, and don't rush through the song like an underpaid waitress.

5. Find time to relax

Seriously, stress will subvert your efforts to stay healthy. We can't claim yoga will save you from the flu, but a more chill you certainly won't hurt.

4. Start treatment early

If you feel the flu coming on, get treatment at once. The earlier you start therapy, the more effective it is likely to be.

3. Keep Sick Kids at home


Children are an effective and efficient disease vector and taking one for the team may mean sacrificing your own well being, but in the fight against the flu your sacrifice will be noted.



2. Stay home
Staying home from work may be next to impossible, but if you have the flu you just have to do it. First, you need rest. Secondly, as sick as you are, you won't be at your best. Finally, you co-workers will love you in your absence.



1. Get a flu vaccine


Talk to your doctor, and find out if the shot is right for you. Many insurance plans cover it, and even if they don't it is fairly inexpensive. See our list of local providers below.

In addition to doctor’s offices and medical centers, flu shots are available at many retail locations on and around Hilton Head. Here are some spots you can get yours.

Publix

Publix offers flu shots for $25, and without a co-pay to anyone with Medicare Part B. Call 1-877-FLU-8100 for times and locations.

CVS

If you’re looking to schedule a time for a flu shot, CVS has set up a website at https://flushot.cvs.com where you can make an appointment.

Target

Hilton Head’s Target offers flu shots for $24 and accepts most insurance plans. Call (843) 815-8191 to learn more.

Kroger

The Kroger pharmacy in Bluffton offers walk-in flu shots for $25 or free to those on Medicare. Call (843) 815-7070 for more.