Influenza
The Illness & How to Protect Yourself
The prevention tips below will help Montanans protect themselves and others from infection by influenza viruses:
The single best way to protect against seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. The 2011-2012 seasonal flu vaccine is now available. Fall is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated later in the flu season—in December, January, and beyond—still provides protection, as flu season normally peaks in January or later.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu–like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
Additional Influenza Information from the Communicable Disease Program
