7 ways to prevent the spread of the flu

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a few tips to help prevent the spread of the flu.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.

• The best way to prevent catching the flu is to be vaccinated. While there are many different flu viruses, a flu vaccine protects against the viruses that research suggests will be most common
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.