It can be easy to get swept up in the panic concerning the flu season. Even with heightened awareness, the same smart health procedures should be followed. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people, so take everyday actions to stay healthy. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Here are some more tips to follow:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
• Follow these smart home cleaning tips from the cleaning experts at The Maids Home Services if someone in the home is ill to minimize the spread to other family members:
• Spray disinfecting spray on hard surfaces and let air dry for at least 10 minutes – doorknobs, appliance handles, keyboards, remote controls, light switches, phones, facial tissue box covers, tables, chairs and counters. Viruses can live for up to 48 hours on hard surfaces. Any item that is commonly touched should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
• Keep germs at bay in the bathroom by stashing disinfecting wipes near the toilet and sink for easy, quick clean up whenever needed.
• Wash items like towels and bedding in hot water with soap. Be sure not to share these items until they are thoroughly cleaned.
• To keep children safe, an effective way to clean and sanitize toys is to put them through a dishwasher cycle. Make sure items are dishwasher safe and are placed securely on the racks away from the heat source. Turn off “heat dry” and run the wash cycle as usual.