The influenza virus is mostly spread from person to person, in respiratory droplets, by coughing and sneezing. Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object; and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s mouth or nose) before washing their hands.

Preventative Measures

• Cover coughs and sneezes.

• Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often; especially after using tissues and after coughing or sneezing into hands. Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by a sick person in the trash. Wash your hands after touching used tissues and similar waste.

• Stay home if you are sick and stay away from sick people.

• Avoid close contact (less than about 6 feet away) with a sick person as much as possible.

• Wear a facemask when sharing common spaces with people who have or are suspected of having influenza.

Using Facemasks

• If you must have close contact with a sick person (for example, hold a sick infant), spend the least amount of time possible in close contact and try to wear an N95 disposable facemask.

• An N95 facemask that fits snugly on your face can filter out small particles that can be inhaled around the edges of a facemask.

• Wear a mask if you help a sick person with respiratory treatments using a nebulizer or inhaler, as directed by their doctor. Respiratory treatments should be performed in a separate room away from common areas of the house when at all possible.

• Used N95 facemasks should be taken off and placed immediately in the regular trash so they don’t touch anything else.

• Avoid re-using disposable N95 facemasks if possible.After you take off a facemask, clean your

hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer