Tips for protecting yourself during the flu season Published Jan. 7, 2014 By Lt. Col. (Dr.) Michael D. Landes 71st Medical Group chief of medical staff VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The flu season has arrived and you may be wondering how to protect yourself and others from suffering with influenza. The most important thing - stay home when you are sick. Adults and children should not go to work, daycare or school when they have a fever. Avoid traveling to public places like grocery stores, the Exchange, church or theaters. Sick parents should not drop their children off at daycare or school. You should be without a fever for 24 hours before returning to work or school. If still sick after 24 hours, you should be seen at the clinic. To protect yourself against picking up the flu virus, wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing or shaking hands. Wash them for at least 30 seconds using warm water and soap. Hand sanitizer can be used if hands are not visibly dirty and hand washing is not possible. Practicing good health habits reduces your chances of contracting influenza and lessen the severity of illness. Eat nutritious foods, stay hydrated, be physically active, get adequate rest and effectively manage stress. Flu season is a good time to practice social-distancing both at home and in the workplace. Avoid shaking hands or giving high fives. Keep a 6-foot distance from sick individuals. Store tooth brushes in separate containers to avoid cross-contamination. Cover your cough or sneeze. Sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue, not your hand. Most people who catch the flu will experience a mild illness with low-grade fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, runny nose, headaches, diarrhea and nausea. Some people are at a higher risk for serious flu-related symptoms and should see a doctor. Those at increased risk include: Women who are pregnant or have just given birth Children under 2 years of age Children under 19 who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy Adults over 65 years of age Individuals with a compromised immune system People with high-risk chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes or sickle cell disease People with a body mass index greater than 40 Anyone experiencing severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe vomiting, returning or worsening symptoms, dizziness, confusion, chest pain and irritability or lethargy in children The flu vaccination is not a guarantee against catching the flu, but it will reduce your chances, especially when you practice good health habits. And if you do catch the flu, the vaccination can reduce the severity of your symptoms.