This year, you can help to reduce the spread of influenza. Protect yourself, your family, your neighbors, and your community from the flu. "Step up" to prevent influenza!
Step 1: Get the flu vaccination.
According to the CDC, everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot once a year. Getting a flu shot is the most effective approach to reduce the spread of flu. Learn more about the flu vaccine.
Step 2: Know how flu spreads.
When someone with the flu sneezes, coughs, talks, or laughs, the virus can spread into the air as droplets. The droplets can reach persons and surfaces up to 6 feet away. If you come into contact with something contaminated with the flu virus, it can spread to your hands. If you then contact your eyes, nose, or mouth, you may contract the flu.
People can transfer the flu to others around a day before and up to five days after being ill.
Step 3: Learn the flu symptoms.
Symptoms include fever (100°F or higher), body and muscle aches, headache, fatigue or weakness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, nausea, and vomiting. Learn more about flu, including how it differs from colds.
Step 4: Clean your hands and the areas around you.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizers. Clean your hands before eating or preparing food, before and after caring for someone who is ill, after coughing or sneezing, and after using the restroom.
Phones, faucets, light switches, countertops, door and cabinet handles, keyboard and mouse, and television remotes are all examples of frequently touched surfaces. The influenza virus can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours.
Step 5: Cover coughs and sneezes.
usage only clean tissues and discard after each usage. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve if you don't have a tissue.
Always wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
Step 6: Stay at home while unwell.
Stay at home if you have the flu since it spreads readily from person to person. Studies reveal that you are most contagious and prone to transfer the flu virus to others for at least 5 days after your initial symptoms appear and for at least 48 hours after your last fever.
Treat the flu by getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of water, and taking fever-reducing medications. Learn more about treating the flu and when to seek medical attention.
