It’s more important than ever to guard against infection. No one wants to get sick, whether it’s a cold, the seasonal flu or COVID-19. You can take steps to stay healthy by stopping the spread of germs.

Paying attention to the basics can help. Make these tips a part of your routine for protecting yourself from germs wherever you are.

At Home

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer often throughout the day.
• Disinfect door handles, light switches and other places that often get a lot of use.

At Work or School

• Remember your face covering when needed. It can help protect against flu and other respiratory illnesses as well as COVID-19.
• Stay home if you’re sick.
• Try to stay 6 feet away from others when possible.
• Try not to touch things used by others, like keyboards.
• Make sure things you touch are cleaned before you use them.
• Clean your hands often: after you touch something used by others, before eating, after using the restroom, after coughing or sneezing.
• Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Learn how to cover coughs and sneezes the right way.  Covering coughs and sneezes and keeping hands clean can help stop the spread of serious respiratory illnesses. That includes flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough and COVID-19.

In Transit

• Wear a face covering when needed.
• Look for ways to cut down on close contact with others. Try to stand away from others.
• Shift your commute or travel to less busy times when possible.
• Avoid touching surfaces.
• Make sure you clean your hands as often as you can.
• Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

Don’t Forget Your Flu Shot

The CDC says everyone 6 months and older should get a yearly flu vaccine. 

Sources: How to Protect Yourself & Others,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2021; Flu Season,  CDC, 2021; Coughing and Sneezing,  CDC, 2020