RENO, NV JANUARY 30, 2019—Super Bowl weekend will bring fans and friends together for parties at a time when the flu is rampant across several states, but there are ways to keep the flu sidelined from the party. The most recent information by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) shows influenza activity remains high. Most states report residents with the flu and the virus is widespread.  Thousands of people across the country have been hospitalized with flu complications, and flu kills.

For every state, the CDC lists four levels of the prevalence of influenza-like illnesses (ILI):  high, moderate, low and minimal.  Week three reporting ending January 19 shows Nevada at the moderate level.  But the ILI rates of most states will likely increase in the coming weeks.

SIX PRO PARTY TIPS
1.    If you are sick or someone in your household is ill, bench yourself and stay home. And if you’re planning to host a party and get sick with the flu, cancel the party.
2.    Avoid a penalty flag for unnecessary germ spreading by covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve. Don’t use your hands. Throw the tissues away and clean your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Avoid touching nose, mouth, and eyes.
3.    Call frequent time outs for handwashing. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
4.    Pro players don’t share water bottles, so don’t let anyone else drink out of your glass, cup, can or bottle. Write names on the cups or mark them in some way to keep them separate and defend against mix ups.
5.    Avoid a party foul. If the host has a super bowl of chips or nuts, use a spoon or tongs instead of plunging your hand into the bowl. Don’t “double dip.” Your teammates will award you extra points
6.    If your team scores a touchdown or makes a big play, avoid the kisses or high fives with friends. Try an elbow bump or your own individual touchdown dance. More information about how to help keep you and your loved ones protected from the flu can be found at redcross.org/FluTips.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.