In addition to getting your flu vaccine each year, there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza, as well as COVID-19:
- Cover your nose and mouth with the bend of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home, call your care provider and keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs, including the flu and COVID-19. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.
Wash your hands — with soap and warm water — for 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60 percent alcohol may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drug stores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn’t need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.