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

• 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, especially after you cough or sneeze.• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.• 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).• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.