It’s that time of year again—the flu season. Unfortunately, there are some things about the flu that you can’t avoid, but there are steps you can take to help protect yourself from getting sick and spreading it around to others. Here’s how:
Stay Away From Sick People
The first thing you should do is stay away from sick people, says Dr John Manzella. It’s tempting to think that you’ll be fine if you just avoid them, but that’s not true. The flu can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours and spread through contact with those surfaces–even if they don’t look dirty or contaminated. That’s why it’s important not only to wash your hands frequently (especially after using public restrooms), but also wash any surface that may have come in contact with germs–like doorknobs and keyboards–before touching them again yourself.
If someone around you seems like they’re getting sick, there are several steps you can take:
- Don’t share food or drink with them: Even if it seems silly not drinking out of the same mug as someone else when both of us are perfectly healthy now, remember that we don’t know what might happen later! If possible, try buying disposable cups instead; otherwise make sure everyone keeps their own glassware at hand so nobody has access when others aren’t looking directly into their eyes (and thus unable).
Wash Your Hands Often With Soap And Water For At Least 20 Seconds
Washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs and illness. It’s especially important to do it often during flu season, but it’s also a good practice year-round.
Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the best ways to protect yourself from getting sick, according toDr John Manzella. This can be done by lathering up with liquid soap, then rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds (which is about as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice). You should also make sure that you dry off completely after washing them so that no excess moisture remains on the skin–this helps prevent bacteria from growing in damp areas like between fingers or under fingernails!
Cover Your Nose And Mouth
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash can.
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief (if you have one) before releasing it into the air. This way, germs won’t spread around as much when they’re expelled from your body.
- Do not touch surfaces after you have coughed or sneezed on them–it’s better for everyone if you wash your hands instead!
Conclusion
The flu is a serious illness that can lead to hospitalization or even death. It’s important that you take precautions to protect yourself from getting sick with the flu, especially if you have children or other family members who are at high risk of getting sick with it.
