Staying Healthy
There are some actions that everyone can practice to slow the spread of the flu and reduce its impact, whether the viruses involved are seasonal or pandemic flu. Practicing these actions now will make them easier to do later.
Hand Washing
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Frequent and proper hand washing can reduce or prevent the spread of the flu.
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Wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wash hands for at least 15 seconds. This will reduce the chance of spreading flu from one person to another.
- For visibly soiled hands, first wash with soap and warm water. When using soap and water:
- Wet hands with water and apply an amount of soap recommended by the manufacturer to hands
- Rub hands together vigorously for at least 15 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands and giving added attention to fingernails and surfaces where jewelry is worn
- Rinse hands with water
- Dry thoroughly with a disposable towel
- Use towel to turn off faucet
- For hands that are not visibly soiled, wash with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60 percent to 95 per alcohol) or do both. When using hand sanitizer:
- Use the amount of sanitizer directed in the instructions on the product
- Rub thoroughly over all surfaces of the hands, including nail areas and between the fingers.
- Continue to rub until product dries
Other Healthy Habits
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and clean your hands afterwards.
- Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (as above).
- If you don’t have a tissue or handkerchief, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow or upper arm.
- Whenever possible, avoid coughing or sneezing into your hands.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to keep flu germs from entering your body.
- Stay home if you are feeling sick. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. The flu virus is spready by respiratory droplets passed from one person to another. These droplets can pass among people in close contact.
- Avoid sharing objects—such as utensils, cups, bottles and telephones. If you must share, disinfect the objects before and after using them.
- Keep your living and work areas clean.
For More Information
- Family Preparedness Guide Fact Sheet
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