Onvida Health reminds the community to use best practices for flu season

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - With the major holidays coming up, Onvida Health is reminding the community to stay healthy during the flu season and take all the necessary precautions.

Respiratory and flu illness can affect households during this time of year when it comes to having holiday gatherings.

While it is not required, Onvida Health says receiving the flu shot will provide less risks during the flu season.

"There's been a lot of research that shows that it decreases the risk for hospitalization. It also decreases the need to take time off work. So, it is recommended and can be a great opportunity if it's available," Dr. Sten Kajitani, a physician at Onvida Health Family Medicine said.

Onvida Health said to stay home if you are not feeling well and have any symptoms such as coughing, runny nose or sore throat. 

"If you're actively having symptoms, the best thing you can do is stay at home. And that, unfortunately, is the best way to protect your loved ones. Usually that occurs between five to seven days after you first start having symptoms," Kajitani said.

Simply washing your hands or wearing a mask can go a long way too.

"Most important is handwashing. There's been a lot of research over the years that just shows that washing your hands is the best thing that you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. Keeping that in mind. It is a respiratory illness. So masking, as we remember from the pandemic, is a very powerful device to help you," Kajitani said.