The Flu & You

What you can do

While there is no guarantee you can avoid seasonal influenza, there are some common sense actions you can take to reduce your chances of becoming infected.

Wash your hands

Hand washing is effective in preventing the flu as well as other infectious diseases. According to the U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC ), rubbing your hands together with soap and water is one of the most important ways to prevent infection. Disease–causing germs can enter your body when your unwashed hands touch your nose, eyes, mouth, and open wounds. Make hand washing a habit.

When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol–based antibacterial hand sanitizer. Read the directions and use the hand rub accordingly. Never wipe the hand rub off; allow your hands to air dry. When used properly, sanitizers reduce the transmission of disease–causing germs.

Get a flu shot

A flu vaccination reduces your chances of getting seasonal flu.

Have a personal and family plan for pandemic flu

Should there be a pandemic flu outbreak, you and your family will want to be well–prepared. While no one wants to think about such a disaster, having a good plan could ease many of the inconveniences a pandemic could cause.

Start by reviewing the Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families.