Protecting Yourself and Others

What can you do to prevent getting and spreading influenza?

Influenza is spread from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. There are many things you can do to prevent getting and spreading influenza:Maintain good hygiene practices at all times. Good hygiene can greatly reduce the chance you will get the flu (any form of flu including seasonal flu) or pass it on to others. These are common sense actions:

Cover your mouth when you cough, and wash your hands regularly!

• Avoid close contact with people who have flu-like illnesses.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, using a tissue, before and after eating, after toilet. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Do not spit - anywhere, anytime.
• Do not share personal items such as cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding, and toothbrushes.
• Try to avoid shaking hands and kissing.
• If you get sick with a flu-like illness, stay at home. Limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Particularly avoid contact with sick people who may be more susceptible.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people

• Influenza is spread from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing. Stay away from people who are sick.
• If you get sick, stay home from work and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

Updated: 08 October 2012