Flu is a contagious disease which is caused by infection by the Influenza virus. It is very important to prevent flu. The most important step in flu prevention is making sure that you get yourself vaccinated every year with a flu shot. Flu usually is a seasonal occurrence. It is important that we take certain measures for influenza prevention.

It is essential that people start with small things like avoiding very close contact with people who are already suffering from the infection. Since the disease is highly infectious in nature, any type of contact or nearness can result in the spreading of the influenza virus. It is also important to make sure that if you are already infected, you must try to stay home, and make sure you cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Washing your hands and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth is important. Getting plenty of sleep and rest and making sure that you drink plenty of fluids is something that will help you feel better faster as well as help in reducing the infection. In certain situations, antiviral drugs can also be used for influenza prevention.

Controlling the spread of infection

The vaccine for influenza isn’t 100 percent effective, so it’s taking measures to reduce the spread of infection is very essential. You can follow these tips and use them as ‘how to prevent flu’ guidelines:

• Wash your hands. Thoroughly and frequently washing your hands is an effective way to prevent flu and many common infections. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if and when soap and water aren’t readily available.
• Contain your coughs and sneezes. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Make sure that you avoid contaminating your hands, cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or make sure to sneeze into the inner crook of your elbow.
• Avoid crowds. Flu spreads easily wherever people congregate — so places like child care centres, schools, office buildings, auditoriums and public transportation are where we find ourselves at high risk of getting infected by the influenza virus. Try to avoid crowds especially during peak flu season and you will reduce your chances of getting the infection. If you’re sick, stay at home so that you don’t infect others.

What everyday steps can I take to stop the spread of germs?

There are steps you can take in your daily life that will help you in flu prevention.
•   Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizer.
•   Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. This leads to germs spreading.
•  Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
•  Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.
•  Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.