Many questions have come into the Seminole County Department of Public Safety asking what citizens can do to protect their families against the flu and Norovirus?  By far, the single best way to prevent the flu is for individuals, especially people at high risk for serious complications from the flu, to get a vaccination.   There are other good health habits that can help prevent the flu and the Norovirus. These are:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Use courtesy cleaner when handling shared surfaces such as gym equipment, shopping carts, etc.
• If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

For more information on the flu vaccine or preventative steps, contact the Seminole County Health Department at 407-665-0311.