Flu Prevention

September 24, 2020

Memorial Staff

Updated November 2022

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting an annual flu shot as the first and most important way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. A flu shot can help reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

The more people who get a flu shot, the more we will be protecting each other from the flu, including older people, very young children, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications.

During this flu season, Memorial Healthcare System/Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital will monitor flu activity within the community. Please help prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses by following these guidelines.

7 Things To Do To Stop the Spread of the Flu

1. Get a Flu Shot

September and October are good times to get vaccinated. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue, even in January or later. Flu shots are safe and recommended by the CDC.

2. Avoid Close Contact

Do not come into close contact with anyone who is sick. If you cannot, try to maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick.

3. Cover Coughs and Sneezes

Remember to sneeze and cough into a tissue and throw it in the trash to help prevent the fluids from spreading onto others.

Is It a Cold or the Flu?

Memorial Urgent Care Center physicians can help you know if you’re getting a cold, the flu or something worse.

Symptoms often overlap, so with tests including the rapid flu test, rapid strep test or X-rays for pneumonia, Memorial Urgent Care Center physicians can guide you accordingly.

Learn more about Memorial Urgent Care at MHS.net/UrgentCare.

Get the Flu Shot

Memorial encourages you to get a flu shot this year. Watch to learn six more simple actions you can take to stop the spread of flu. To learn more, visit MHS.net/flu.

Top Flu Shot Myths

4. Don't Touch Your Eyes, Nose and Mouth

Touching your face with dirty, unwashed hands can lead to germs getting trapped in the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose and mouth, which can lead to an infection.

5. Disinfect Surfaces and Objects

Clean high touch surfaces (door knobs, tables, light switches, etc.) using soap and water to remove dirt, then use disinfectant to kill germs.

6. Wash Your Hands Often

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds throughout the day.

7. Take Flu Antiviral Drugs

If your physician prescribes antiviral medication, take them to treat viral infections.

Hospital Guidelines

To ensure the health and safety of all our patients, families, and employees, please review our visitors policy and follow these guidelines when visiting any of our healthcare facilities.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, healing environment for the patients and families entrusted to our care.