• woman looking in distance woman looking in distance

      How to
      help Prevent the Flu

      Nothing can protect you from the flu better than
      getting vaccinated each and every year. Thats why
      its recommended that every person 6 months and
      older, with rare exception, get a flu vaccine each
      season ---- especially people who are
      at a high risk
      for developing serious complications from flu.1

      Theres a Fluzone Vaccine for You

    In addition to getting the flu shot, there
    are lots of ways to help protect yourself
    and others from the flu. Explore the page
    for flu prevention tips and facts.

    Practice healthy habits year round.

    Its always good to practice healthy habits, but especially so when youre sick. Whether you have the flu or not, getting proper sleep, exercise, drinking enough water each day, and eating a healthy diet can help keep your whole body working the way it should.2

    woman sitting

    Everyday Preventive Actions

    No one wants to catch the flu. Here are some simple
    ways to help prevent the spread of influenza whether you’re at school, work, out in your community,
    or a hospital.

    Stay at home
    when you’re sick.

    If possible, stay home from work, school, errands, and activities when you are sick. This will help protect your already weak immune system and keep you from
    passing on your illness to others.2

    woman in bed

    Keep your germs to yourself.

    Covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough is not only common
    courtesy — it can
    help keep those around
    you from getting sick.
    And whether you’re
    sick or someone else is,
    keeping your
    distance and avoiding close
    contact can
    help protect you both.5,6

    Wash Your
    Hands. A Lot.

    Throughout the day, we touch a
    of things — from doorknobs
    to railings to elevator buttons — which
    could be spreading germs. Washing your hands often will
    help protect you from both catching the virus
    and spreading
    it into the world
    around you.3-5

    Take Your Medicine.

    If you get the flu and your health
    care provider prescribes medication
    to treat it,
    make sure you take it!
    Taking your medication
    as prescribed
    can help give you relief from
    your flu
    symptoms and could actually
    the time that you’re sick.2

    Your Flu Forecast

    The flu can hit unexpectedly, but keeping track
    of flu activity during the year can help you take the
    proper precautions and help you decide when to get
    your flu vaccine.

    Even though peak flu season is usually in the
    winter, outbreaks can still happen earlier.
    Vaccines are typically available at your pharmacy
    or health care provider's office by October,
    so don’t wait too long to help protect yourself!7


    Winter time means flu time.5,6 See that you
    get vaccinated as soon as vaccine becomes
    available to help prevent the flu from
    keeping you from enjoying your favorite
    winter activities and celebrations.


    The flu usually starts going away by March
    or April, but keeping up with your spring
    cleaning year round can help keep the
    germs at bay.5,6


    The summer is typically a flu-free season
    in the US, but that doesn't mean you
    shouldn't be marking your calendar to
    get your flu shot in the fall!5,6