Being well vs. being sick: What you need to know

Published: 9/28/2009

The Michigan Department of Community health urges individuals to take these steps:

Get a flu vaccine.

Practice good health habits. This includes getting enough sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food.

Cover your coughs and sneezes. If you use a tissue, discard it in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the upper sleeve of your shirt.
 
Wash your hands frequently. Soap and water are effective, as are alcohol-based cleaners.
 
Keep your distance. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, keep your distance from others.
 
Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school and errands.
 
Only your doctor can confirm if your symptoms are the result of a flu virus. Health officials classify the following as being flu-like symptoms and encourage individuals experiencing one or more of these to stay home: Fever (100F/37.8C or higher), cough, sore throat, headache, chills, fatigue, body aches.
 
Health officials recommend that individuals can return to work and/or school when they have been fever-free (under 100F/37.8C) for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
 
To learn more about flu symptoms and prevent, visit these Web sites:
 
Michigan Department of Community Health:
 
U.S. Government:

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