Top of Page What can people do to protect themselves and their families against pandemic influenza?

• During an outbreak, people can reduce the risk of spreading influenza by taking some common-sense measures: • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds or use a hand sanitizer often when soap and water are not available. • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then wash your hands. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. • Stay home from work or school when you are sick. • Avoid close contact with those who are sick. • Keep living and work areas clean. Clean areas with household detergents. Sanitize surfaces with bleach or alcohol. • If there is an outbreak and public officials ask for cooperation, people may need to change what they do: • Keep your distance: avoid crowds and limit travel. • Shop for groceries when stores are less crowded, in early morning or late at night. • Stop attending school, work, sports or events that bring people together. • Work from home if possible. • Right now, people can practice healthy behaviors: • ...  more