It's in Your Hands: Basic Flu and Disease Prevention
This page has been automatically translated from English. MSDH has not reviewed this translation and is not responsible for any inaccuracies.
Handwashing is one of the healthy habits that makes healthy people — and it's simple to do. Just remember these three healthy rules:
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid touching your eyes and mouth
- Keep your distance from people who are sick
Wash Your Hands Often
- Wash after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- Wash before eating or preparing food.
- Wash before and after you leave home for work, school or other public place.
- Wash when you are sick.
- Wash after using the bathroom.
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds — long enough to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice.
Cover Your Cough or Sneeze
- Cover your cough to help stop the spread of germs.
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or cough or sneeze into your upper arm.
- Throw away the used tissue in the trash.
- Wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer,
Stay Home When You're Sick
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink lots of fluids like water and fruit juices.
- Eat healthy foods.
- Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items.
- If you're around someone who is sick, stay at least three to five feet away to avoid germs.
And Remember...
Get your flu shot each year. It can keep you and the people around you healthier and better able to resist infections.
Get More!
Last reviewed on Jul 15, 2024
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