Ways to Prevent Getting the Flu

Here are some simple precautions to avoid the spread of illness, including the flu virus.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the spread of respiratory illness, such as influenza, is often caused by coughing, sneezing and unclean hands. To reduce the spread of germs, it’s important to follow these simple recommendations:

• 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 upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Put your used tissues in a waste basket.
• Clean hands after coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
  

While currently the flu is top of mind, remember that these healthy precautions should be practiced at all times.

If you are having symptoms that concern you, please contact your physician.

For more information about the flu, visit the CDC website:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/