How to Protect Your Health During Cold & Flu Season

Cold and flu viruses can spread easily, especially when people spend more time together indoors. While you can't prevent every infection, simple everyday habits can reduce your exposure to germs and help protect yourself and those around you.

Good hygiene, staying up to date with recommended vaccinations, getting enough rest, and taking care of your overall health are all important parts of staying well during respiratory illness season.

Handwashing is one of the simplest ways to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom, eating, or caring for someone who is sick. When soap and water aren't available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be useful.

Cold and flu viruses can reach your body when contaminated hands come into contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Try to avoid touching your face throughout the day, particularly after being in crowded public spaces or touching commonly shared surfaces.

If you need to cough or sneeze, use a tissue or the inside of your elbow rather than your hands. Dispose of used tissues promptly and wash your hands afterward.

These simple habits can help reduce the number of germs you spread to people around you.

Germs can remain on commonly touched surfaces such as:

• Door handles
• Phones
• Keyboards
• Remote controls
• Light switches
• Countertops

Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces can help reduce opportunities for germs to spread within your home or workplace.

Your everyday habits matter, especially during cold and flu season.

Annual flu vaccination is an important tool for reducing your risk of influenza and its complications. Protection from the vaccine takes time to develop, so talk with your healthcare provider about seasonal vaccination and what is appropriate for you and your family.

If someone in your household develops cold or flu symptoms, take practical steps to reduce the spread:

• Encourage frequent handwashing.
• Avoid sharing towels, drinks, or personal items.
• Clean commonly touched surfaces.
• Improve ventilation when possible.
• Give the sick person space to rest and recover.
• Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette.

Most uncomplicated colds can be managed with rest and supportive care. However, contact a healthcare provider if symptoms are severe, getting worse, or you're concerned about your condition.

Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, severe weakness, confusion, or other serious or rapidly worsening symptoms.

People with certain chronic conditions or other risk factors may be more vulnerable to complications and should discuss concerning symptoms with their healthcare provider.