Protect Yourself from the Flu
Vaccination is the most effective prevention, but daily habits can help stop the spread of germs.
The flu can cause serious illness, but there are effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. The most important step is getting a flu vaccine every year.
Why You Should Get a Flu Vaccine
Recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
Especially important for children, pregnant women, adults with chronic health conditions, and adults 65 and older.
Reduces the severity of illness even if you still get sick.
Helps decrease hospitalizations, deaths, and the burden on healthcare systems.
Flu vaccines protect against three influenza viruses each season.
Tip: Vaccination is important for health care workers and other people who live with or care for people at higher risk of serious flu illness to keep from spreading flu to them.
Everyday Actions to Prevent Flu
Vaccination is the most effective prevention, but daily habits can help stop the spread of germs:
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Stay home if sick until symptoms improve and fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then dispose of it.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth).
Improve air quality by ventilating or purifying indoor spaces, or spending time outdoors.
Masks can reduce virus spread when worn by infected or exposed individuals.
Special Considerations for Healthcare Workers
Healthcare workers play a critical role in protecting patients from the flu. In addition to getting vaccinated:
Follow strict hand hygiene protocols before and after patient contact.
Properly sterilize medical instruments and disinfect surfaces frequently touched by staff or patients.
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, gowns, and masks when appropriate.
Isolate patients with flu-like symptoms to prevent spread in healthcare settings.
Stay home if you are sick to avoid infecting patients or coworkers.
Educate patients on vaccination and preventive practices to reduce transmission.
Implementing these measures helps protect both healthcare workers and vulnerable patients, particularly in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Flu Treatment
If you do get sick:
Call your doctor early, especially if you’re at higher risk for severe illness.
Limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
Flu antiviral drugs can shorten illness, reduce severity, and prevent complications.
Antivirals work best if started within 2 days of symptoms, but can still help later in high-risk patients.
Common flu symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Key Takeaways
Get your annual flu vaccine. It’s your best defense.
Practice good hygiene and preventive habits every day.
Seek early treatment if flu symptoms appear, especially if at higher risk.
Healthcare workers should prioritize sterilization, PPE, and patient education to reduce flu spread.
Protect yourself, your family, and your community this flu season.
For more information, visit the CDC’s Preventing Seasonal Flu (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/index.html)