8 Ways to Keep Flu From Spreading – Everyday Health

3. Designate a Caregiver

If a small child, elderly person, or someone else who needs to be cared for has flu, pick one person for the job. That will limit the number of people who come in contact with the virus and cut the risk of it spreading.

Whoever the designated caregiver turns out to be, its important they take every precaution to protect themselves even if theyve already had the flu. Ive been surprised by the number of people who catch the flu more than once in a season, says Dr. Purdy.

As with the COVID virus, one of most effective ways to prevent the spread of influenza is by wearing a mask preferably an N95 mask, advises Michael Roizen, MD, chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. That goes for anyone who is sick, to keep their viral droplets out of the air, and for those who are well, to shield themselves.

If youre caring for a child or someone else who has flu, slipping on disposable gloves is a good idea too, as it will lower the risk of picking up the virus with your fingers and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

Proper ventilation of common spaces and individual rooms is important, says Hoaglin. Whether you crack a few windows or plug in an air purifier, it can help reduce the volume of infectious particles in the air.

Consider doing this even before someone comes home sick, as well as when you have a gathering of people.

The flu virus can live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours, meaning everything from countertops, doorknobs, and cell phones to TV remotes, drinkware, and eating utensils especially those touched or used by someone whos ill.

Make use of disinfectant wipes, sprays, and other cleaning solutions that contain hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, and/or alcohol, which can kill germs immediately and on contact. Stash alcohol-based cleaners throughout your home so theyre handy for everyone, suggests Hoaglin.

Studies show the influenza virus can survive for 8 to 12 hours on cloth and paper. Consider a temporary switch from hand towels and dishcloths to single-use paper products.

Then take care to dispose of used paper products promptly by tossing them into a trashcan, preferably one lined with a plastic bag, and dont set them down anywhere or let them come in contact with someone else.

Some simple ways to help fight off infection are also healthy lifestyle measures. One is to stay well-hydrated, which supports the circulatory system in delivering nutrients to organs throughout the body and to remove waste products including potentially infectious microbes.

The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends males get about 15.5 cups of fluid each day and females get 11.5 cups. Not all fluid needs to be water, according to the Mayo Clinic. Non-caloric beverages, including coffee and tea, count too, as do juicy fruits and veggies and fluid-based foods such as soup.

Vitamin C may help as well. Although the once-popular theory that high doses of C may help prevent or cure the common cold has never been proven, there is evidence C may be able to kill influenza A and other viruses. And it can never hurt to include plenty of C-rich foods in your diet: citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, white potatoes, and broccoli, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables.

Consider (carefully) catching some rays as well, to boost your intake of vitamin D, which plays a key role in shoring up the immune system. The National Institutes of Health advises wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 if youre in the sun longer than a few minutes, and eating plenty of D-dense foods, such as fortified dairy products, fatty fish, and even mushrooms: Sometimes the fungi are exposed the ultraviolet light to boost their vitamin D content.

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8 Ways to Keep Flu From Spreading - Everyday Health