Hand washing key to fending off the flu

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - This season's flu started early and is expected to be around for several more months. While the flu is flying around, there are ways to prevent getting sick and keep from spreading viruses.

"It's not too late to get a flu vaccine. It's a good match for the virus out there and if you get it now you can protect yourself from the long flu season. It's predicted to go well into March," Dr. Christian Bridgwater with Parkview Health, said.

The vaccine is a good match to prevent the main influenza virus, but there are still several other viruses circulating and making people sick.

If someone gets sick, doctors say to stay home until a fever has been gone for 24 hours. Going to work or school just spreads the virus. When people seek help from a doctor, some waiting room etiquette can go a long way.

"We're trying to get away from covering the cough with your hand. Try to cover with your upper arm because this is part of the arm unlikely to touch other surfaces. It keeps the virus on you and prevents that aerosol [from getting on other surfaces]," Bridgwater said. "Try to isolate yourself in the waiting room. If you have a mask, wear it. We'll put one on you here in the emergency department, but you can buy them at Walgreens or any store out there."

While it may sound like a broken record and common sense, good hand washing is still one of the best defenses against getting a viruses.

"The way you pick this up is you pick things up on a surface then you touch your face, mouth, eyes, nose," Bridgwater said. "Wash your hands, get a bottle of hand sanitizer, keep your hands clean."

Good hand washing can also help keep sick people from spreading the virus.

Doctors are still recommending getting a flu shot. The more people who are immune, the harder it will be for the virus to spread.