Below is some basic information provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on how to protect yourself from all types of flu.  It is simple and makes common sense.  These simple acts can make a big difference in whether you or a loved one becomes ill.

• Wash your hands.
  Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  This decreases the chance that you will introduce influenza virus and other infectious agents into parts of your body where infection can begin. It also decreases your potential infectiousness to others.

• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
  Never cough in the direction of someone else. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inside of your elbow.

• Clean things that are touched often.
  Clean things that are touched often at home, work or school like door or refrigerator handles, computer key boards / mouse, phone and water faucets.

• Avoid close contact with others who are ill.
  Avoid holding, hugging or kissing anyone who has a cold or the flu.

• Those with young children, immune system problems and the chronically ill should avoid large crowds, unless necessary.

For additional influenza information we have provided several links to websites of various organizations.  That information can be found by clicking here.