Tips to guard against the flu

  • The most important way to guard against the flu is to get the flu shot.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Teach kids to wash their hands long enough by singing "Happy Birthday" twice.
  • Wash your hands using soap and water after using the restroom, before eating, after contact with any bodily fluids, and after coughing or sneezing
  • Use alcohol based hand sanitizers, which are actually more effective against killing germs
  • Always cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your upper sleeve or elbow.
  • Disinfect high-traffic areas that may collect germs.
  • For more flu prevention tips, visit choa.org/flu

Source: Dr. James Fortenberry, pediatrician-in-chief, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (very tired)
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention