The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urges people to take these steps to avoid spreading the seasonal flu:

Ÿ Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Ÿ Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Ÿ Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.

Ÿ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Ÿ Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Ÿ Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100°F or 37.8°C) or signs of a fever (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine).

Ÿ While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.