Wear a mask and get your flu shot

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Here are the most effective, noninvasive ways we can combat this virus, together:

•Covid-19 can be transmitted by airborne and close contact pathways; stay a minimum of 6 feet apart

•Wear a mask when you leave your house, and cover your nose and mouth at all times. This protects others and new data supports this will also help protect the wearer

•Wash your hands frequently (20 seconds) or use minimum 60% alcohol hand sanitizer

•Don’t touch your face, especially eyes, nose, and mouth

•Limit gatherings to less than 10 if possible, unless larger family circle. Additionally, keep ventilation as open as possible

As flu season is here, if you are asymptomatic, please get a flu shot immediately.

Being obstinate is infecting and killing ourselves, our families, our health-care workers, and communities. Moreover, it allows the Covid virus to spread and remain virulent. Combating the spread with noninvasive actions helps flatten the curve as the virus has no way to survive.

The Montana Nurses Association encourages everyone to wear a mask and take advantage of the upcoming holiday season by staying home, don’t travel, keep all schools closed until after the new year, and make masks mandatory in all businesses and public places.

If we pause now for the next month and a half and commit to doing all we can to slow this spread, Montana will be more successful in opening our schools, businesses and Legislature after the new year, and moreover, will not overwhelm our health-care staff and facilities.

MNA kindly asks, please, please, please wear a mask and get your flu shot.

—Vicky Byrd is Chief Executive Officer of the Montana Nurses Association