Everyday Preventive Actions That Can Help Fight Germs, Like Flu

CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting influenza (flu). The first and most important step is to get a flu vaccination each year. But if you get the flu, there are prescription antiviral drugs that can treat your illness. Early treatment is especially important for the elderly, the very young, people with certain chronic health conditions, and pregnant women. Finally, everyday preventive actions may slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses, like flu.

What are everyday preventive actions?

· Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

· If you or your child gets sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you (or your child) stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.

· While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

· 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. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

· Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

· If an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs, follow public health advice. This may include information about how to increase distance between people and other measures

For more information, visit:www.cdc.gov/flu or call 1-800-CDC-INFO