Flu season and living with HIV

October 2007     View PDF     En español

How do you prevent the flu?

Getting vaccinated against the flu before the flu season starts is one of the best ways to help prevent specific strains of the illness. However, some people choose not to get flu shots for various reasons. Even if you do get one, there are many ways to reduce your chances of getting the flu. For more information, read the section What about flu shots?.

One simple and effective way is to wash your hands with soap and warm water regularly. If they’re not available, using hand sanitizers with alcohol can keep your hands clean. Since the flu is passed through the air, avoiding crowds and contact with people who have the flu will help. Also, avoid people who sneeze and cough.

Keeping your hands away from your face will also help reduce the number of infections. Infections often occur when you touch your hands to your mucus membranes, like those in your mouth, nose and eyes.

Another way to prevent infection is by not coming into contact with surfaces that others have touched, especially in public areas like a bus or restroom. Handling toys, handrails, doorknobs, phones, counters and even money that was touched by someone with the flu can expose you to the virus. Some people go as far as using a paper towel to turn off the tap and open a public restroom door.