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Everyday Preventive Actions

That Can Help Fight Germs, Like Flu

CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting the flu.

CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting influenza (flu).
The first and most important step is to get a flu vaccination each
year. But if you get the flu, there are prescription antiviral drugs that
can treat your illness. Early treatment is especially
important for the elderly, the very young, people with certain chron-
ic health conditions, and pregnant women. Finally, everyday pre-
ventive actions may slow the spread of germs that cause
respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses, like flu. This flyer
contains information about everyday preventive actions.

How does the flu spread?
Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through droplets made when people
with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Flu viruses also may spread when people touch something with
flu virus on it and then touch their mouth, eyes, or nose. Many other viruses spread these ways too.

People infected with flu may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up
to 5-7 days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to spread the flu to someone else before you
know you are sick as well as while you are sick. Young children, those who are severely ill, and those who
have severely weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for longer than 5-7 days.

What are everyday preventive actions?
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you or your child gets sick with flu-like illness, CDC
recommends that you (or your child) stay home for
at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get
medical care or for other necessities. The fever should
be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as
possible to keep from infecting them.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash
after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-
based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
• If an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs,
follow public health advice. This may include
information about how to increase distance
between people and other measures.

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