What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

This season, there is a seasonal flu vaccine to protect against seasonal flu viruses and a 2009 H1N1 vaccine to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (sometimes called “swine flu”). A flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flu infection. For information about the 2009 H1N1 vaccines, visit H1N1 Flu Vaccination Resources. For information about seasonal influenza vaccines, visit Preventing Seasonal Flu With Vaccination.



There are also everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the flu.



Take these everyday steps to protect your health:



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. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.*

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

•Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

•If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.*) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.