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The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season. There are two types of flu vaccines: injections and the nasal mist. About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection.
Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.
The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the three influenza viruses that research suggests will be most common.
Yearly flu vaccination should begin in September, or as soon as vaccine is available, and continue throughout the flu season which can last as late as May. This is because the timing and duration of flu seasons vary. While flu season can begin early as October, most of the time seasonal flu activity peaks in January, February or later.
Summary: Keep Hands Clean, Prevent the Spread of Germs
- Wet your hands with clean water.
- Lather your hands with soap, including the backs, under nails and between fingers.
- Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds, long enough to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice.
- Rinse hands thoroughly.
- Dry hands with a clean towel or air dry.
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