Tips to avoid the flu

Tips to avoid the flu

Get a flu vaccine.

Take preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.

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

Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects possibly contaminated with germs like the flu.

Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.

-- Centers for Disease Control

This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Tips to avoid the flu ."