Getting the flu is worse than having
a cold, and can make a person sick for a week or more. So you'll want to do all you
can to avoid it. These 5 tips can help:
- Get the flu vaccine
every year. It's the best way to protect yourself against the flu. Getting
vaccinated doesn't just protect your own health. It also helps the people around you
because there's less chance you'll catch the flu and pass it on.
- Wash your hands well and often. Hand
washing is an important defense against germs
like flu viruses. Why? The body takes about 2 weeks to build immunity after a flu
vaccine — and even a vaccine isn't foolproof if a new type of the virus starts
making the rounds. Hand washing also helps protect against other germs and illnesses
that there aren't vaccines for, like the common cold.
Wash your hands after
using the bathroom; after coughing or sneezing; before putting in or removing contact
lenses; before using makeup; and before eating, serving, or preparing food. If soap
and water aren't handy, you can use hand sanitizer (with 60% alcohol).
- Steer clear of someone with symptoms. Flu viruses travel through
the air, so try to stay away from people who look sick, or are coughing or sneezing.
Note: Health experts recommend wearing
masks in public during the coronavirus pandemic. Doing this can also help stop
the spread of flu.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow — not your hands.
That way, you're not spreading the virus when you touch surfaces that other people
may touch too. It's also a good idea to avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth,
three places where flu viruses can easily enter the body.
- Stay home if you
have the flu. You don't want to pass your germs to someone else. Staying
home is a great excuse to curl up and watch your favorite movie, play video games,
or read. Rest can help the body recover faster.
You also can fight the flu and other illnesses by keeping your body as healthy
as possible:
Date reviewed: September 2020
