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Illnesses like the flu and colds are caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. The flu and colds usually spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Cover your Mouth and Nose when You Sneeze or Cough
Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
Clean your hands often
Wash your hands with soap and warm water, then rub your hands vigorously together. Wash for 15 – 20 seconds. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs. When soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers.
Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose or Mouth
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can live for a long time (some can live for 2 hours or more) on surfaces like doorknobs, desks and tables.
Stay Home when you are Sick
When you are sick or have flu systems, stay home, get plenty of rest and check with a health care provider when needed. Remember: Keeping your distance from others may protect them from getting sick. Get plenty of rest and eat nutritious food.
Practice other Good Health Habits
Get plenty of sleep and eat nutritious food. Practicing healthy habits will help you stay healthy during the flu season and all year long.
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