If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing.
Clean your hands
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.
Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizers in your bag and car, when soap and water is not available.
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.
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.
Practice healthy habits
Get regular exercise, enough rest, and eat healthy balanced meals.
Other habits for good health
3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them. Four antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine, zanamivir, and oseltamivir) can be used to prevent influenza. All of these medications are prescription drugs, and a doctor must be consulted before using them.
More Information
Smoking and Influenza - Some studies show that smokers are more likely to get the flu, and there is a higher mortality rate from the flu among smokers than among nonsmokers.
Protecting Against the Flu: Advice for Caregivers of Children Less Than 6 Months Old - Because infants cannot get vaccine or antiviral drugs but are at higher risk for serious flu complications, protecting them from flu is especially important.
Cover your Cough - Flyers available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Chinese, Hmong, and Khmer