With flu season in full swing, it’s possible that someone with whom you live or work is already sick – and their germs can spread easily in tight spaces, causing the flu virus to linger longer. Luckily, following these easy tips can help you stay healthy and protect yourself from those germs.
- Get Your Fu Shot: If you haven’t already, make sure to schedule an appointment and get your flu shot right away to protect against the flu.
- Wash Your Hands Often: Wash your hands before eating, drinking or touching your face, especially after touching shared surfaces in your home. Also, make sure to wash your hands the right way by using soap and reciting the “Happy Birthday” song two times or counting slowly to 20 as you wash them.
- Sanitize Surfaces: Start with places like the door handles or phones, which are handled frequently. Sanitize them with a disinfecting wipe daily, and each time after the person who has the flu uses them.
- Make a Separate Sick Room: If possible, encourage the person with the flu to stay home from work or stay in their own room (if you live together). It’ll provide them with their own space to rest up and get better, as well as help to keep you away from flu germs.
- Stay Away When You Can: Stay about six feet away from someone with the flu. Any closer and you’re in prime range for inhaling germs.
- Follow Good Germ Etiquette: Remind the person who is sick to follow good germ etiquette by coughing or sneezing into a disposable tissue or their elbow whenever they can – the spray from a sneeze can travel several feet.
- Keep Your Immune System Healthy: When your immune system is healthy, your body can do a good job of protecting you from illnesses most of the time. Eat lots of fruits and veggies and get plenty of rest to stay healthy.