Common Sense Flu Prevention

As Chief Medical Officer at DHS, I serve as the Department's principal agent for all medical and public health matters. One of my primary responsibilities is maintaining a healthy workforce. We are over 200,000 strong and to protect the nation we must remain strong.

We are entering into the fall season and Autumn brings with it cooler air, changing leaves, and the increased chance of getting the seasonal flu.

While stressing flu prevention methods to our DHS employees who serve on the frontline of America's defense, as a physician, I'm also thinking about the parts of our critical infrastructure that are privately owned and operated. Just as our first responders -- firefighters, police, EMS personnel – must be there for us 24/7, so must our border security personnel must be healthy. Those who run our electrical plants, our telecommunications systems and our grocery stores are also essential.

So please take a moment to review the following flu prevention tips:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water frequently and thoroughly.
• Get a flu shot.
• Practice social distancing. Don't move in toward someone who is coughing or sneezing; politely take a step back.
• Practice proper sneezing and coughing etiquette. Don't cough or sneeze into your hand and then use your hand to use a pen at the bank or open a door or refrigerator. Sneeze and cough into your elbow.

I know how this sounds. It sounds like something our parents told us as children. But think about these tips the next time you sneeze or cough. Look at your own habits. Then look at others. You'll be surprised. This refresher, as silly as it may seem, could just keep the lights burning through another flu season.

Dr. Jon R. Krohmer
Acting Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer