Good health habits can help stop flu germs
No single action will totally protect you against flu. Besides getting your yearly flu vaccine, taking the actions below can help protect you:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Throw away the tissue and wash your hands when done.
- Clean your hands often. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. When soap and water are not available, you can use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel hand sanitizers. Rub your hands until the gel is dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits. Support your immune system. Get plenty of sleep. Be physically active. Manage your stress. Drink plenty of fluids. Eat nutritious food.
For information about COVID-19, please visit our coronavirus resource website.