The influenza virus is a highly-contagious illness that can be easily transmitted from person to person through breathing contaminated air--for instance, air that a sick person has coughed or sneezed into. If you come into contact with a person who's sick with the flu, take steps to reduce your risk of getting sick.
Step 1
Wash your hands. You can sometimes get the flu from touching something that a sick person has touched, or shaking their hand. Wash your hands immediately after coming in contact with someone with the flue, and frequently thereafter. Keep your hands away from your face.
Step 2
Start an antiviral drug as a preventative measure. This prescription medication is used to treat the flu, but can also help reduce your risk of getting sick after exposure to the virus.
Step 3
Get lots of sleep. Your body needs rest to store up strength and boost your immune system--which will work diligently to fight off those influenza virus germs and keep you from getting sick.
Step 4
Eat healthy foods. Powering your body with healthy, nutritious foods will give it strength to fight off the influenza virus and prevent you from getting sick. Drink lots of fluids to flush the virus from your body, and keep stress to a minimum to keep your immune system strong.
Tips and Warnings
- Get the flu vaccine before you are exposed to someone with the virus. Prevent the spread of the flu by staying home if you get sick, washing your hands often and covering your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze.
- If you think you have the flu, get to your doctor for possible treatment--the earlier the better.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Flu vaccine
- Antiviral drugs
