1817

15

5

7

8

9

10

4

3

2

6

1213

14

16

19

1

20

ASK ABOUT A FLU SHOT. Flu shots are very important for individuals at high risk for serious flu complications. Those who live with, visit or care for high risk individuals should also be vaccinated. Talk with your health care provider about whether a flu shot is right for you.

AVOID CLOSE CONTACT. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

STAY HOME. If possible, stay home from work or school and avoid running errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.

KEEP IT COVERED. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw away the tissue immediately. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.

AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

FIGHT GERMS. Germs can live on some surfaces for two hours or longer. Make it a point to clean items often overlooked, such as lightswitches, knobs, handles, telephones, and remote controls regularly to eliminate germs.

USE HAND SANITIZERS. Use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers when soap and water are not available. Wipe or rub all surfaces of your hands, making sure to include the areas in between your fingers.

TEACH CHILDREN. To ensure children wash for the recommended 20 seconds, teach them to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice while washing their hands with soap and warm water.

PRACTICE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING. Bathroom and kitchen areas should be cleaned frequently to prevent the spread of germs. Keep disposable antibacterial wipes handy for quick clean-ups and wash hand towels often.

DON’T SHARE. Don’t eat or drink after anyone, especially if they are sick. Parents often share food with their children by using their utensils. This habit passes germs back and forth and should be avoided.

SANITIZE SPONGES. Germs can multiply and spread when using sponges. Wash sponges frequently in your dishwasher to kill the bacteria and germs that may be in them. Replace sponges monthly or when they start to have an odor.

KEEP TOYS CLEAN. Wash children’s toys regularly in warm, soapy water, especially if a sick child has been playing with them.

CHANGE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH. Always replace your toothbrush after having a cold or the flu. Make sure each family member has their own, clearly marked toothbrush to avoid confusion.

VENTILATE. When weather permits, open up doors and windows to let fresh air circulate throughout your home.

QUIT SMOKING. Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to have respiratory infections, which means during the cold and flu season, your chances of getting sick are greater.

MANAGE STRESS. You’re more likely to get sick when your stress levels are high. To reduce the negative effects of stress, practice stress management techniques such as positive thinking, deep breathing or talking to a friend.

EXERCISE. Try to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week to reduce stress and keep your body healthy and strong.

EAT HEALTHY. Choose a variety of healthy foods from all of the food groups to ensure you get the recommended amounts of vitamins, minerals and nutrients you need each day.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP. A good night’s sleep can keep you from getting sick since your body repairs itself while you sleep. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

WASH YOUR HANDS. This is still the easiest way to prevent colds and the flu! Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially at work, since you are sharing community space.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

20TIPSfor Cold & Flu Prevention

11