Flu season is just around the corner. Take time to read these important tips on how to protect your family against flu this season.

What are everyday preventive actions?

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• The first and most important step is to get a flu vaccine each year

• If you or your child gets sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you (or your child) stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.

• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs that can cause respiratory illnesses like flu.

• If an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs, follow public health advice. This may include information about how to increase distance between people and other measures.

• Routinely clean frequently touched objects and surfaces like doorknobs, keyboards, and phones, to help remove germs.

Everyday preventive actions can help slow the spread of germs that can cause many different illnesses and may offer some protection against flu.

Reference: CDC Everyday Preventative Actions- www.CDC.com

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