3 Things You Can Do Right Now To Help Prevent The Flu

Dr. Travis Stork from "The Doctors" is answering common questions about the flu today, clearing up what's true and what's a myth when it comes to the flu and other respiratory viruses.

Now that you know the facts, here are three things everyone can—and should—do right now to help prevent the flu from spreading.

1. WASH YOUR HANDS

This one's a no-brainer, but it still has to be said. Wash your hands often to help protect yourself from germs. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

2. AVOID TOUCHING YOUR EYES, NOSE + MOUTH

Germs are often spread when someone touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. 

"If I have the virus on my hand and I touch my elbow, I'm not going to get sick from that. But if I touch a moist mucus membrane like my eyes, I'm very likely to get sick," the doc explains.

So, try not to touch your face at all if you can help it. And when you cough, do it into your elbow rather than your hands.

3. STAY HOME WHEN YOU'RE SICK

If possible, stay home from work or school, don't go out to run errands and avoid coming into close contact with others if you're feeling sick. This will help prevent the spread of illness.

"If you're sick and you think you have influenza or one of these other viruses like coronavirus (these viruses change every year), stay home. If you have a fever and you're coughing — if you have to go seek medical help, that's fine — but don't go to work or go to school and pass it along," Travis says.

As always, if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, talk to your doctor.