The Flu: Don’t Get It, Don’t Spread It

To avoid getting and spreading the flu and other flu-like illnesses, here’s what all of us can do.

• Get a flu shot. Flu shots remain the best tool we have for preventing influenza and reducing its impact and may still be available at your regular health care clinic. Most health plans will cover their cost. If you’re un- or underinsured, you can still get flu shots at a number of local walk-in clinics.
• Wash your hands well and often, with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available. Dirty hands spread influenza and many other diseases. Especially make sure they’ve just been washed before rubbing your eyes, nose or mouth, and always before eating.
• Avoid crowded places and being close to anyone with flu symptoms, especially when they are coughing or sneezing.
• Wash frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, water faucets, refrigerator handles, telephones and countertops. Keeping those clean helps keep peoples hands clean.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Don’t sneeze or cough into your hands; if you do, immediately wash them.
• Stay home if you have the flu or any respiratory infection. Don’t go to work. Don’t send your sick child to school.

For more information about influenza prevention and treatment, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Seasonal Influenza web page.