What you can do to Avoid Influenza

Help protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick this season. Follow 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 contact with others to protect them from getting sick.

Stay home when you are sick: If possible, stay home from work, school, day care, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Wash your hands: Washing your hands often will protect you from germs.

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.

Other ways to stay healthy during this influenza season and all year round:

Get plenty of sleep
Exercise regularly
Manage your stress level
Drink plenty of fluids
Eat healthful food

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccination is not the only way to prevent the flu. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm.