Viruses cause the flu (influenza), colds and other illnesses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. The flu and colds usually spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. With a little vigilance, you can help stop the spread of these illnesses.

How to Help Stop the Spread of Germs

• Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
• Clean your hands often. When available, wash your hands-with soap and warm water by rubbing your hands vigorously together and scrubbing all surfaces for 15 to 20 seconds. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs.
  
• When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers can be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using a gel, rub the gel in your hands until they are dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in the gel kills germs that cause colds and the flu.
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when people touch something that is contaminated with germs and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can live for a long time (some can live for two hours or more) on surfaces such as doorknobs, desks and tables
  
• When you are sick or have flu symptoms, stay home, get plenty of rest and check with a health care provider as needed. Your employer may need a doctor's note for an excused absence. Remember, keeping your distance from others may protect them from getting sick.
  

Common symptoms of the flu include:
 • Fever (usually high)
 • Headache
 • Extreme tiredness
 • Cough
 • Sore throat
 • Runny or stuffy nose
 • Muscle aches, and
 • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (much more common among children than adults).

Practicing other good health habits can help you avoid getting sick. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food. Practicing healthy habits will help you stay healthy during flu season and all year long.

More Facts, Figures and How-To Ideas
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and its partner agencies and organizations offer a great deal of information about hand washing and other things you can do to stay healthy and avoid the germs that cause flu, the common cold and other illnesses.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/flu, or call the CDC Flu Information Line at (800) CDC-INFO.