5 Ways To Prevent the Spread of the Flu

The return of pumpkin spice and football signals the start of fall — and flu season. Coughing, sniffling, wheezing, muscle aches and fever are common complaints during flu season, and these risks are heightened for those with cancer. During flu season, it's important to take proactive steps to protect yourself and those around you.

1. Get Your Annual Flu Vaccine

Getting the flu vaccine is one of the best ways to protect yourself from getting sick. The vaccine helps your body fight off the flu virus. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during seasons when flu vaccine viruses are similar to circulating flu viruses, the flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with the flu by 40% to 60%. This is especially important for cancer patients, who are more vulnerable to complications from the flu due to their weakened immune systems.

Everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated annually, ideally by the end of October, as it takes about two weeks to build immunity. Cancer patients should discuss when to be vaccinated with their provider.

2. Wash Your Hands Regularly

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help eliminate germs that cause illness. Make it a habit to wash your hands after being in public places, before eating and after using the restroom. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

3. Stay Home When You Are Sick

If you do catch the flu, staying home is important for your recovery and to prevent the spread of the virus. The CDC recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after your symptoms improve and you haven’t had a fever without using fever-reducing medication. This helps protect coworkers, friends and family from illness.

4. Avoid Sick People

During flu season, it’s best to minimize close contact with individuals who are showing symptoms of the flu, like coughing, sneezing or fever. If someone around you is sick, try to keep your distance and encourage them to stay home until they’re better. When in crowded places, consider wearing a face mask to lower your risk of exposure.

5. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces

Flu viruses can linger on surfaces for hours or even days. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, like doorknobs, light switches, countertops and shared electronics, can help stop the flu from spreading. Use disinfectant wipes or sprays that are effective against influenza. Making cleaning a part of your routine, especially in shared spaces at home, work or school, can help protect everyone from getting sick.

Board-certified infection preventionist Isis Lamphier, MPH, CIC, contributed to this story.