Good Habits to Prevent Yourself from Getting Sick

• 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 from work, school and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness and possibly yourself from becoming more ill.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Place your used tissue in the wastebasket.
• Thoroughly washing your hands with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based cleaner often will help protect you from germs., especially after coughing or blowing your nose.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• If you cough or sneeze, use tissue to cover your mouth and nose.
• When you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not into your hands.
• Avoid close contact with sick people when possible.
• Consult your physician right away if your flu symptoms are unusually severe.
• Get a yearly flu shot.
• Avoid second-hand cigarette smoke.  If you smoke, try to quit.
• Be cautious about herbal remedies.  You should always discuss natural remedies with your health care professional before taking them.