Action Steps to Prevent the Spread of Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends four main ways to help avoid getting sick with the flu:

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder; not into your hands.
Stay home if you are sick for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, are sweating, have body aches, diarrhea and/or vomiting). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
Talk to your health care provider to find out if you should be vaccinated for the seasonal flu and/or the 2010 H1N1 flu.

If flu conditions become MORE severe:

Extend the time you stay home to at least seven days, even if you feel better sooner. If you are still sick after seven days, continue to stay home until at least 24 hours after your symptoms have completely gone away.
Prepare for the possibility of suspending your classes by planning to continue your work at home (e.g., homework packets, Web-based lessons, phone calls) and find a place where you can stay either by going to your home, home of a relative or close friend of the family.

Frequently clean your living quarters. If living with others, frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles and bathroom areas.
Talk with your health care provider if you are at higher risk for complications from flu.
Update emergency contact lists.

Visit: www.flu.gov
Contact CDC 24 hours every day:

1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
cdcinfo@cdc.gov