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Last Updated:
09/29/11 09:30:59 AM
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Influenza (Flu) Prevention |
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Practice Good Health Habits
to Help Stop the Spread of Germs |
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When a person with the flu coughs or
sneezes, small respiratory droplets that contain the flu
virus are spread into the air, where they can be inhaled by
healthy people or contaminate nearby surfaces. Droplets on
contaminated surfaces can spread to the hands of healthy
people, and can enter the body when people touch their eyes,
nose or mouth without washing their hands. These tips can
help you stop the spread of the flu virus: |
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze to
avoid putting germs into the air.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away. If
you don’t have a tissue, use your hands and then wash them
immediately, or cough into your shirt sleeve.
- Wash your hands often.
- When washing your hands, use soap and warm water for
15–20 seconds. Kids can be taught to sing “Happy Birthday”
twice to ensure they wash their hands for the right amount
of time.
- When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based
disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. Use
according to package directions.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Germs are often spread when a person touches something
that is contaminated with germs and then touches their eyes,
nose, or mouth. Germs can live for a long time on surfaces
like doorknobs, desks and tables.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- When you are sick, keep your distance from others to
protect them from getting sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Get plenty of rest, and seek medical attention if you do
not feel better in a few days.
- Practice other good health habits.
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat nutritious foods
- Exercise
- Keep your stress level as low as possible
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NV
State Health Division
