Keeping Healthy This Winter

Keeping Healthy This Winter

How Flu is Spread

Most cough, cold and flu viruses are passed from person to person in respiratory droplets spread by coughing and sneezing. A forceful cough can expel particles as far as 25 ft.

Touching something with virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes may also transmit infection.

Adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before getting symptoms and up to 7 days after getting sick. That means that you can give someone the flu before you know you're sick as well as while you are sick.


These Good Health Habits Help You Stay Well

Wash your hands frequently and avoid putting your hands near your mouth, nose and eyes. Sneeze or cough into a tissue and throw it away.

Wipe down shared surfaces, like countertops, doorknobs, keyboards and telephones. Flu virus can live on a surface for up to an hour.

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.

Most viral germs are airborne, so avoid contact with people who are sick. If your coworker is ailing, steer clear of his or her sneezes. If you are caring for an ill family member, wash your hands habitually and minimize proximity to his or her face.

Don't smoke. Quitting is always a good idea, but it's even more important now.

Eat healthy food. You are what you eat, and healthy eating will support your immune system.

Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks as they contribute to dehydration.

Make time for moderate exercise in the fresh air.

Get plenty of rest.



If You Have A Respiratory Illness

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.

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. Used tissues contain respiratory secretions and should be disposed of in the nearest waste receptacle.

Clean your hands. Wash your hands with soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub, or antiseptic handwash after having contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects/materials.

These recommendations are based on the Draft Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings. Recommendations of the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC), CDC

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