Worried about flu? Here are 5 ways to protect yourself:

  1. Wash hands. Use soap and warm running water. Scrub all surfaces for as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Dry with a disposable paper towel. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is okay if you don’t have access to a sink, but hand-washing is best.
  2. Hands off. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. That’s how most germs find their way into your body.
  3. Cover up. Don’t share your germs! Be sure to cover your coughs and sneezes. It’s best to use your upper arm. If you use your hands or a tissue, be sure to wash your hands (see #1).
  4. Stay home. If you don’t feel well, don’t go to work, school, church, or the store. Just stay home and rest so your body can recover (and so you don’t spread whatever you’ve got to everyone else).
  5. Get the shot. Believe it or not, it’s not too late to get a flu shot. Even in years when the shot isn’t a great match for the flu strain that’s circulating, it still provides protection against more severe symptoms. And it’s not possible to get flu from the shot because the shot doesn’t contain the full virus.