Prevention

Get vaccinated

Influenza viruses are constantly changing. Therefore, influenza vaccines are updated every year, and an annual vaccination is recommended. There are two types of vaccines available:

• A flu shot is a vaccine made with inactivated or killed virus that is administered with a needle. It is approved for use in people older than six months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
• A nasal spray is a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu. It is approved for healthy people age 2 to 49 who are not pregnant.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies to develop that protect against infection.

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 when you are sick

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your cough

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Clean your hands

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth   

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

Practice other good health habits

Get plenty of sleep, be phycially active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods.