What else will help people avoid getting the flu?
In addition to getting vaccinated against the flu, there are several simple, common sense actions people can take to decrease the chance of getting and transmitting the flu: • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds to eliminate germs you may have picked up from touching things contaminated with the influenza virus. Carry waterless hand sanitizer for use when soap and water are not available. • Avoid touching your mouth and nose many germs, including influenza, enter the body through these openings. • Stay away from crowds. Influenza is transmitted via droplets, which enter the air from a cough or sneeze and can remain airborne for three to six feet. The closer you are to others, the greater your chance of coming into contact with infected airborne particles. • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze to narrow the distance the droplets travel. Coughing/sneezing into your sleeve eliminates the need for using tissue and washing your hands afterwards.
