Staying Healthy During Flu Season & All Year Long

The Charlotte County Health Department advises you follow these simple practices.

1. Don't spread your germs:

   • Cover your nose & mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose (or cover sneeze with your elbow).
   • Throw out used tissues in the trash as soon as you can.
   • Always wash your hands after sneezing, blowing your nose, coughing, or after touching used tissues.
   • Wash hands with warm water & soap - or with alcohol based hand sanitizer.
   • Wash hands often if you are sick.
   • Stay home if you are sick, especially if you have a cough & fever.
   • See your doctor as soon as you can if you have a cough & fever, and follow their instructions. Take medications as prescribed and get lots of rest.

2. Don't pick up germs from others:

   • Wash your hands before eating or touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
   • Wash your hands after touching anyone else who is sneezing, coughing, blowing their nose or whose nose is running.
   • Don't share things like towels, lipstick, toys, cigarettes, or anything else that might be contaminated with respiratory germs.
   • Don't share food, utensils, or beverage containers with others.