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Flu season occurs from October to April, but February is the peak. Do you know how to protect yourself? Today, we're sharing our top five tips for protecting yourself from the flu.

1. Get the flu vaccine.

The CDC continues to recommend the flu vaccine to protect against most strains of the flu virus. If you do get the flu, the flu vaccine can still reduce the severity and duration of your symptoms.°

2. Wash your hands often.

Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands before and after you prepare or eat food, after you come in contact with waste products, and after you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose.

Proper Hand Washing Technique:ˆ

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold). Turn off the tap and apply soap.

2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Make sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice through.

4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

It’s important to note that hand sanitizer may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty, greasy, or exposed to chemicals. However, hand sanitizers are excellent at quickly reducing the number of germs on your hands in many situations.

3. Cover your cough.

If you need to cough or sneeze, be sure to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or cough into your elbow. Remember to wash or sanitize your hands after coughing or sneezing!

4. Build healthy habits.

Boost your immune system by practicing healthy habits, like eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.

5. Stay home if you are sick.

Ask your coworkers to do the same.

If you follow these five recommendations, we sincerely hope you will be able to avoid the flu this season.