5 Steps to Decrease Your Chances of Catching the Flu

1. Wash Your Hands 8 Times a Day
Washing your hands is one of the most effective and easiest ways to prevent infection. Wash your hands:

• Before you eat
• After you use the bathroom
• Any time you sneeze, cough or do anything that gets your hands dirty

2. Watch What You Touch
The average person touches their face 3-5 times each minute. Germs from your hands can get near your eyes and mouth, spreading bacteria and infections. After touching things like your keyboard or the office coffee pot, keep your hands off of your face.

3. Stay Away from Sick People
One of the fastest ways to get the flu is by coming into direct contact with those who have it. Encourage sick friends and family to stay at home until they feel better.

4. Sneeze and Cough Properly
When you feel a sneeze or a cough coming on, turn away from people within 6 feet of you, bring your sleeved arm up to your face, and sneeze into your elbow.

5. Get Vaccinated
The vaccine’s effectiveness can range widely from season to season, and can vary on the person being vaccinated. If you do get sick, the flu vaccination may make your illness milder and can reduce the risk of more serious flu outcomes such as hospitalizations and even death.