Protect yourself from the flu

In addition to getting the flu vaccine each year, protect yourself from getting sick by following these precautions.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• If possible, stay home when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Wash your hands often to help protect you from germs.
• 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.
• Practice other good health habits-- get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

About the “swine flu”

You may be wondering about the “swine flu” or what is now called “H1N1.”  The CDC has not published recommendations for general use of vaccines yet.  You can protect yourself, however, by following the recommendations listed above.