How can super infections be prevented?

To prevent super infections, prevention of viral infections, such as the cold or flu, is key! One of the best ways to protect yourself is with a good hand washing technique. Don’t touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth during the cold and flu season without washing your hands well. Cover your sneezes and coughs with the inside crook of your elbow if you don’t have a tissue to use. And throw out used tissues immediately. Another important way to prevent the flu and its complications is to get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine. There are 2 types of vaccines, and depending on the type, the CDC recommends it for infants under 2 years of age as well as all adults over 65 years of age. If you are ages 2-64 and have a chronic medical condition or are immune compromised, the recommendation is also to get vaccinated. There is also a vaccine for pneumonias caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. So talk to your doctor. In this case, the saying is true: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.