Flu prevention: simple, practical steps you can use right now

Flu season hits fast. You don’t need a lot of gear or perfect timing to cut your risk — just a few smart moves. This page gives clear, usable steps: when to get vaccinated, daily habits that lower chances of catching flu, and what to do if you or someone in your home gets sick.

How to lower your risk

Get the annual flu vaccine. It’s the best single tool to prevent serious illness. Aim to vaccinate in early fall before cases rise, but getting the shot later still helps. If you’re pregnant, 65 or older, or have chronic health conditions, make this a priority — the vaccine reduces hospital visits and complications.

Wash your hands often and correctly. Lather with soap for 20 seconds, rinse, and dry. Keep hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) handy for times when you can’t wash. Avoid touching your face; the virus often travels from hands to mouth, nose or eyes.

Use masks in crowded indoor places during high flu activity. A well-fitting surgical mask or an N95 gives better protection than cloth masks. Masks are especially useful around people with weak immune systems or when you feel a sniffle coming on.

Ventilate indoor spaces. Open windows or use HEPA filters when you can — fresh air dilutes viral particles. At home, avoid crowded gatherings when flu is circulating, and consider short outdoor meetups instead.

Keep common surfaces clean. Disinfect door handles, remote controls, and shared devices during peak season. A quick wipe with a household disinfectant is enough to reduce spread.

What to do if you get sick

Stay home and rest. If you have fever, cough, or body aches, isolate from others in your household when possible. Use a separate bathroom if you can, wear a mask around others, and wash hands frequently.

Antiviral medicine can help, but timing matters. If you’re at higher risk or symptoms are severe, call your doctor right away — antivirals work best when started within 48 hours of symptom start. Don’t try to self-prescribe antibiotics — they don’t work on viruses.

Watch for warning signs: trouble breathing, chest pain, sudden dizziness, confusion, or inability to keep fluids down. Seek emergency care if these occur. For infants, older adults, and people with long-term health problems, call your provider sooner rather than later.

Thinking about supplements? Some people use vitamin D, zinc, or probiotics. They might slightly lower risk, but they aren’t a substitute for vaccination and hygiene. If you take medications or have health issues, check with your doctor before starting anything new.

Small changes add up. A yearly shot, better hand habits, smarter air flow, and quick action if symptoms start make a real difference. You’ll miss fewer workdays, protect people around you, and sleep easier through flu season.