Prevention
In general, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help maximize your immune system and prevent you from becoming ill. You should always strive to:
- Get adequate rest (8 hours of sleep per night)
- Eat a balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Exercise regularly
- Manage stress
Specific actions you should take to prevent influenza include:
- Getting vaccinated. Vaccines are the most powerful public health tool for the control of influenza, and the U.S. government recommends that all who are eligible receive the vaccine.
- Stay away (6 feet) from someone who is actively coughing or sneezing
- Wash your hands regularly using warm soap and water. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a suitable substitute (the University encourages you to carry your own personal sized container of hand-sanitizer).
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth (especially after coughing or sneezing).
To avoid spreading germs when you are ill:
- Self-isolate (stay home and away from others), especially if you have flu-like symptoms.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough/sneeze; throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Cough/sneeze into your elbow if you do not have a tissue.
