Yes, basic hygiene really does help. Follow these tips to avoid the flu this season.
Step 1 in avoiding the flu is being vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that as long as flu viruses are circulating in the community, it’s not too late to get the vaccination. But as we head into peak flu season, keep these additional prevention tips in mind at home and at work.
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
3. If you can, stay away from people with cold or flu-like symptoms. Don’t shake hands with them.
4. Don’t share silverware, dishes, cups and glasses with anybody.
5. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the tissue and wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your shoulder or arm.
6. Clean everything you touch with a disinfectant cleaner. Keep these high-traffic surfaces in mind:
- Countertops
- Sinks, faucets
- Doorknobs
- TV remotes
- Keyboards
- Toys
- Phones
- Light switches
More resources
- Think you have the flu? Use our flu tool to assess your symptoms.
- If you decide you need medical attention, these Walk-In clinics are staffed with board-certified Vanderbilt physicians as well as nurse practitioners, who take care of everything from flu, colds and coughs to fevers, rashes and injuries.
- Vanderbilt’s Children’s After-Hours Clinics offer the convenience of a walk-in clinic with care provided by a board-certified pediatrician from Children’s Hospital. No appointment is necessary, but we recommend calling your pediatrician first. Learn more about services and find locations for Children’s Hospital After-Hours Clinics.
- If you’re sick at home with the flu, you can receive Vanderbilt care without leaving your house, thanks to Vanderbilt Health OnCall. Within two hours, a Vanderbilt nurse practitioner will come treat you. Learn more about Vanderbilt Health OnCall and request a visit.
- Read previous My Southern Health stories about the importance of the flu vaccine.
- Also, watch these videos to learn more.
