The best ways to prevent seasonal flu are to get a flu vaccination each year and practice excellent hand hygiene (Content Source: Coordinating Center for Infectious Disease (CCID), 2007).

How Flu Spreads

Flu viruses typically spread from person-to-person contact when people with influenza cough or sneeze. Sometimes, people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose before washing their hands.

Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before their own symptoms develop and for up to five days after becoming sick. You may be able to pass the flu to someone else before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick.

Get Vaccinated

October and November are the best times to get vaccinated, but you can still get vaccinated in December and later. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. It takes about two weeks for a vaccination to begin protecting against infection.

Hand Hygiene

Washing your hands correctly and often will help protect you from germs.

Good Health Habits for Flu Prevention

Getting vaccinated and practicing good hand hygiene are the best ways to prevent the flu, but the following good health habits can also reduce your risk:

• Try not to come in close contact with sick people. When you are sick, stay away from others to protect them from getting sick as well.
• Stay home when you are sick. This will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• When sneezing or coughing, be sure to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. This may protect others from getting sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Be physically active.
• Manage stress.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Eat healthy foods.