How to avoid catching the flu
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If you are in the ‘at risk’ groups get your FREE flu vaccination from your GP surgery
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Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, especially after coughing of sneezing
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Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, using a tissue whenever possible
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Throw used tissues away promptly in the nearest bin
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In the workplace, keep phones and desktops clean as they can harbour more germs than toilet seat
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Whatever your age, giving up smoking will help ensure you stay in good health and be ready for winter.
Preventing the spread of flu
The flu virus is spread in the small droplets of fluid coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person. These droplets can travel a metre or so and infect anyone within range who breathes them in.
Flu can also spread if someone with the virus transfers it on their fingers. For example, if you have flu and you touch your nose or eyes and then touch someone else, you may pass the virus on to them. Similarly if you have flu and touch common hard surfaces such as door handles with unwashed hands then other people who touch the surface after you can pick up the infection.
You can stop yourself catching flu in the first place or spreading it to others by being careful with your hygiene.
Always wash your hands regularly with soap and water and:
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regularly clean surfaces such as your keyboard, telephone and door handles to get rid of germs
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use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
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put used tissues in a bin as soon as possible
Learn more about stopping the spread of flu by watching this video about the government's Catch it, Bin it, Kill it campaign
