Avoid close contact.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Stay home when you are sick.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve/clothing.

Clean your hands.

Wash your hands often with soap and water; if soap and water are not available, and hands are not visibly soiled, use an alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Practice other good health habits.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

What should I do if I get the flu?

• Stay home from work or school, and rest.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Rest and drink lots of non-caffeinated fluids and avoid alcohol
• Wash your hands often to protect the people around you.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• If you are in a high-risk group, see your health care provider and ask if you should be taking antiviral medications.

Go to the doctor or the emergency room if you are having these symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve, but return with worse fever and cough