How to Avoid the Flu
Get the seasonal flu vaccine
To find out where to get your flu vaccination, use the Flu Vaccine Finder or call 211 (211info.org).
The majority of flu is spread by young, healthy, unvaccinated children and adults. That's why vaccination is such an important part of flu prevention.
- Flu vaccine is recommend for people 6 months and older. Check with a medical provider to see which vaccine is right you.
Watch: 4 great reasons to get a flu shot.
Wash your hands
- Washing your hands often helps protect you from germs.
- Use soap and warm water. Wash for 15 to 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You can find these products in most supermarkets and drugstores.
- If the hand sanitizer is a gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol kills the germs on your hands.
Take everyday precautions
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your arm when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home if you get sick.
- Clean work and household surfaces often.
- Wear a mask if you have a weakened immune system.
- Ask your family, friends and health providers to get a flu vaccination.
- Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.
- Manage any chronic conditions.
Quit smoking
People who smoke get the flu more easily and get sicker from the virus. This is also true of people who breathe secondhand smoke, especially children and senior citizens.
Contact the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or www.quitnow.net/oregon.
For Providers and Local Health Departments