Cold and Flu Prevention

Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

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Get enough sleep.
During sleep, your body's immune system goes into high gear to protect you from illness. Lack of sleep can reduce immune functioning making you susceptible to sickness.

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Drink more water.
In the fall and winter, it is easy to overlook your thirst and get dehydrated. Make sure you consume 8 glasses a day.

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Wash your hands frequently to keep cold and flu germs from spreading.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Your kids need to wash their hands for at least 30 seconds to effectively kill germs. Kids can measure the time by singing "Happy Birthday" song twice.

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Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Teach your children to avoid spreading cold and flu viruses by coughing into the crux of their elbows, instead of into their hands.

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Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

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Disinfect commonly used surfaces in your home.
From the faucet to the doorknob to the toys your kids play with, the surfaces they touch are often breeding grounds for colds and flu germs. One of the most important ways to protect your family and stop viruses dead in their tracks is to disinfect commonly touched surfaces with a disinfectant spray or wipe, such as those made by LYSOL.

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Consult with a doctor.
If you're running a fever, please visit your doctor. Talk to the doctor before your family gets sick. He or she can advise you whether to get a flu shot and which over-the-counter medicines to have on-hand should someone start to feel sick.