Besides getting an influenza vaccine, washing your hands – properly and often – is the single best way to protect yourself against influenza. Here’s advice from a pediatrician on proper hand-washing. To further protect yourself and your family from the flu this season, remember these tips: - Stay home when you’re sick, and stay away from others who are ill - Cover your nose and mouth when you cough - Get enough sleep - Eat a well-balanced diet Getting a COVID-19 vaccination for your children and teens can help protect them from getting COVID-19 and spreading it to others. It can also keep your children from becoming seriously ill or needing hospitalization if they do contract COVID-19. It’s also important to take preventative steps: - The CDC recommends the use of cloth face coverings in public for those over age 2 years. - Practice physical distancing - Avoid large gatherings, particularly indoors - Avoid close contact with people who are sick. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. - Stay home when you are sick. - Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. - Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. - Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. - The CDC recommends laundering items including washable plush toys as appropriate following the manufacturer’s instructions. When possible, use the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and let them dry completely. Laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items. Check out this list of how to prepare your household for a potential COVID-19 outbreak. Learn more about the similarities and differences between signs, symptoms and treatments of COVID-19 and the flu.