Flu

There are 3 important things to remember to prevent the spread of the seasonal flu.

• Cover your cough with a tissue or your sleeve. Don't use your hand. Using your hand to cover your cough will spread germs on to surfaces you touch.
• Wash your hands often. Use soap and warm water. Make sure to wash your hands for 20 seconds. This is the best way to kill germs.
• If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home. Don't go to work or school. Keep your children at home if they have the flu-like symptoms. Adults may be able to infect others up to 5 days after getting sick. Children can infect others at least 10 days after getting sick.

Other Helpful Tips

• Frequently clean surfaces that are commonly touched-like door handles, handrails, kitchen tables, etc.-with household disinfectant or bleach solution. To make a bleach solution, mix 1/4 cup bleach with 1 gallon of water. The bleach solution must be made daily to be effective. If disinfectant is not available, hot water and soap can be used.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches a surface that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Do not share eating utensils or drinking glasses with anyone.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Practice good health habits. Keep yourself healthy-and resistant to diseases-by getting plenty of sleep, staying physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food.
• Get vaccinated for seasonal influenza.