Everyday Tips to Prevent the Flu

By Michael Gowan

While we can't necessarily prevent a pandemic flu such as swine flu or avian flu from arriving in the U.S., we can take measures to help prevent its spread.

The following tips were provided by Duke physicians and nurses.

Wash your hands. Keeping your hands clean can help prevent the spread of the flu. Hand sanitizers are particularly effective for this purpose. You should regularly wash your hands or use hand sanitizer throughout the day.

Cover your mouth. If you have a cough, wear a surgical mask to prevent the spread of any potential flu germs to others.

Stock up. Prepare like you would for a hurricane -- stockpile water, canned food, batteries, etc. In the event of a pandemic, you may be asked to isolate yourself for weeks.

Feeling ill? Stay home. If you experience a runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, myalgia (muscle soreness), or fever, you should stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from potentially exposing others. Contact your primary care provider to determine whether you should schedule a visit.

Tell about travel. If you're feeling ill, tell your doctor about any recent travel. You may have picked up a strain in an area that the World Health Organization has issued a warning about.

Stay educated. Listen to warnings issued by the state about how to proceed. This can help you avoid getting infected or infecting others.