Patient Information

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

Get vaccinated: Getting vaccinated is the first and most important step in protecting against influenza.

Hygiene guidelines: Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Take everyday actions to stay healthy such as following basic hygiene guidelines during this outbreak:

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
   
3. Cover your mouth and nose: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
   
4. Clean your hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
   
5. 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.
   
6. Practice other good health habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

Public health advice: Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

Family plan: Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, face masks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.

Stay informed: This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.

For more information visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website or call (800) CDC-INFO.