The flu, also known as influenza, is a viral infection that mainly affects the respiratory system.

It is contagious, spreads easily, and can cause serious health problems, especially in young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. The symptoms of the flu include fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, chills, and fatigue.

The flu season typically starts in the fall and lasts until spring, peaking between December and February. It is important to take precautions to prevent the flu, especially at home, where you spend a lot of time and where germs can easily spread.

Here are some tips to help you prevent the flu at home:.

1. Get Vaccinated

Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent the flu. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, especially people who are at high risk of developing complications from the flu.

The vaccine is usually available starting in the fall and can be obtained from your doctor, clinic, pharmacy, or workplace. The flu vaccine does not guarantee that you won’t get the flu, but it can reduce the severity and duration of the illness and lower the risk of hospitalization and death.

2. Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands frequently and properly is a simple but essential way to prevent the flu. The flu virus can survive on surfaces for up to 24 hours and can be transferred to your hands when you touch them.

To wash your hands properly, wet them with warm water, lather them with soap, scrub them for at least 20 seconds, rinse them thoroughly, and dry them with a clean towel or air dryer. You should wash your hands before and after eating, preparing food, using the bathroom, blowing your nose, sneezing, coughing, or touching animals.

3. Cover Your Mouth and Nose

Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze can prevent the flu from spreading to others. The flu virus can travel up to six feet in the air and infect others who inhale it.

To cover your mouth and nose, use a tissue, a handkerchief, or the crook of your elbow, and dispose of the tissue immediately in a trash can with a lid. Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes, as the virus can enter your body through these openings.

4. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are frequently touched can prevent the flu from lingering and infecting others. The flu virus can survive on surfaces for up to 24 hours and can be transferred to your hands when you touch them.

To clean and disinfect surfaces, use a disinfectant spray or wipes that are effective against the flu virus, such as bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol. Pay attention to surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, handles, light switches, faucets, phones, keyboards, and remote controls.

5. Stay Home When Sick

Staying home when you are sick can prevent the flu from spreading to others. The flu virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted from one person to another up to a day before symptoms appear and up to five to seven days after symptoms start.

If you have the flu or flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, and body aches, stay home and avoid contact with others, especially those who are at high risk of developing complications from the flu. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of tissues in a trash can with a lid. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take over-the-counter medications to relieve your symptoms.

6. Boost Your Immune System

Boosting your immune system can help you prevent the flu and fight off infections. Your immune system is your body’s defense mechanism against germs and viruses, and it needs proper nutrition, hydration, sleep, and exercise to function properly.

To boost your immune system, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and manage your stress level.

7. Practice Good Respiratory Hygiene

Practicing good respiratory hygiene can prevent the flu from spreading to others. Respiratory hygiene refers to the etiquette of coughing and sneezing without spreading germs.

To practice good respiratory hygiene, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, as mentioned earlier, use a tissue or handkerchief, and dispose of it properly. If you don’t have a tissue or handkerchief, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, rather than your hands. Avoid spitting, and use a face mask if you have to be around others when you are sick.

8. Avoid Close Contact with Sick People

Avoiding close contact with sick people can prevent the flu from spreading to you. The flu virus can be transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

To avoid close contact with sick people, stay at least six feet away from them, avoid crowded places, and wear a face mask if you have to be around them. Don’t share personal items, such as towels, utensils, or cups, with sick people. If you are taking care of a sick person, wear gloves, wash your hands frequently, and dispose of contaminated items properly.

9. Maintain a Healthy Environment

Maintaining a healthy environment can prevent the flu from thriving and spreading. A healthy environment includes clean air, water, and food, as well as proper ventilation, lighting, and temperature.

To maintain a healthy environment, keep your home clean and well-ventilated, avoid smoking or exposing yourself to secondhand smoke, drink clean water, eat safe and nutritious food, and regulate the temperature and humidity in your home. You can also use air purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers to improve the air quality and reduce the spread of germs.

10. Stay Informed and Prepared

Staying informed and prepared can help you prevent the flu and respond to outbreaks. The flu virus can mutate and evolve, making it difficult to predict and control.

You should stay updated on the latest flu trends, symptoms, treatments, and prevention strategies by consulting reputable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your healthcare provider. You should also prepare yourself and your family for potential flu outbreaks by stocking up on essential supplies, such as food, water, medications, and hygiene products, and having a plan in place for transportation, communication, and care.