How you can protect yourself
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that the single best way to prevent influenza is to get the flu vaccine every year. It is also important to protect yourself, your family, and your friends with these simple steps to help stop the spread of germs.1
Avoid Close Contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, avoid close contact with others to protect them from getting sick too.
Stay Home When You are Sick
If possible, stay home from work, school, day care, and errands when you are sick. You will help to prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover Your Mouth and Nose
Be sure to use a tissue when coughing or sneezing and drop it in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose as best as you can.
Wash Your Hands Often
Washing your hands often, especially after you cough or sneeze, will help stop germs from spreading.
Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose, and Mouth
Sickness is often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Other ways to stay healthy during this flu season and all year round:
- Get plenty of sleep
- Exercise regularly
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat nutritious foods
- Manage your stress level
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing the flu: good health habits for prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm. Accessed July 1, 2008.