Submitted by Diana Scott, MS, Peoria City/County Health Department
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits, like covering your cough and washing your hands, can also help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. To keep from getting and spreading illness, follow these everyday good health habits:
- 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 ill
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others. - Cover your mouth and nose
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve, not your hands, 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, and 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
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.For more information about public health issues, visit Peoria City/County Health Department website at www.pcchd.org.