How to prevent the spread of flu
Like many diseases, the flu can be spread through the air. When someone coughs or sneezes, germs fly through the air and they can infect other people. The spray from a cough or sneeze can land on a desktop or table, which can expose people to the germs.
Here are some other ways you can help prevent the spread of airborne diseases such as the flu:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available.
- Turn away from others when you cough or sneeze.
- Use a tissue or napkin to cover your mouth when you are coughing or sneezing, and promptly throw the tissue or napkin into a wastebasket when you are done.
- Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow instead of into your hands if you don’t have a tissue or napkin.
- Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer after coughing or sneezing, or after you touch your eyes or nose.
- Use sanitary wipes to clean surfaces where germs gather, such as computer keyboards, telephones, light switches, stairway banisters, kitchen tables and counters, etc.
