St. Anthony encourages West Central Iowans to get flu shot

You’ve probably heard people talking – the flu is going around. It’s true, we are in the midst of a very harsh flu season. However, there are several steps you can take to prevent influenza from impacting you and your family.
Follow these healthy habits for your best bet to stay well this winter.
1. Get the flu vaccination: If you haven’t received a flu shot yet, it’s not too late. The vaccination is still available at the St. Anthony Clinic and is recommended throughout the flu season. Make your appointment before the end of January. Contact the Carroll location of the St. Anthony Clinic at (712) 792-2222, or contact the St. Anthony Clinic near you, to schedule your appointment today. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), receiving the flu vaccination is the single best way to protect against seasonal flu.
2. Wash your hands: Everyone knows this health habit, but the key is doing it regularly and getting all of your family members to do it too – and often. If you ever wonder if you should wash your hands, the answer is always yes. Good handwashing can go a long way in preventing illness. Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, or coming into contact with other individuals (hugging, hand shaking, etc.) and items they may have touched (door handle, light switch, etc.). Alcohol-based hand rubs, including many anti- bacterial hand sanitizers, are a plan B if soap and water are not immediately available.
Read all the tips in the January 31 edition.