Getting the flu is worse than having a cold, and can make a person sick for a week or more. So you'll want to do all you can to avoid it. These 5 tips can help: Get the flu vaccine every year. It's the best way to protect yourself against the flu. Getting vaccinated doesn't just protect your own health. It also helps the people around you because there's less chance you'll catch the flu and pass it on. Wash your hands well and often. Hand washing is an important defense against germs like flu viruses. Why? The body takes about 2 weeks to build immunity after a flu vaccine — and even a vaccine isn't foolproof if a new type of the virus starts making the rounds. Hand washing also helps protect against other germs and illnesses that there aren't vaccines for, like the common cold.Wash your hands after using the bathroom; after coughing or sneezing; before putting in or removing contact lenses; before using makeup; and before eating, serving, or preparing food. If soap and water aren't handy, you can use hand sanitizer (with 60% alcohol). Steer clear of someone with symptoms. Flu viruses travel through the air, so try to stay away from people who look sick, or are coughing or sneezing. Note: Health experts recommend wearing masks in public during the coronavirus pandemic. Doing this can also help stop the spread of flu. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow — not your hands. That way, you're not spreading the virus when you touch surfaces that other people may touch too. It's also a good idea to avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth, three places where flu viruses can easily enter the body. Stay home if you have the flu. You don't want to pass your germs to someone else. Staying home is a great excuse to curl up and watch your favorite movie, play video games, or read. Rest can help the body recover faster. You also can fight the flu and other illnesses by keeping your body as healthy as possible: Get enough sleep. Eat healthy foods, including 5 or more servings of fruits and veggies a day. Drink plenty of liquids. Get regular exercise. Back to Articles Related Articles The Flu Vaccine Doctors recommend that all teens get vaccinated against the flu. Here are the facts on flu vaccines. Read More Flu Facts Every year from October to May, millions of people across the United States come down with the flu. Get the facts on the flu - including how to feel better if you get it. Read More Flu Center Get the basics on how flu spreads and how to protect yourself. Read More I'm Pregnant. Should I Get a Flu Shot? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More When Can I Go Back to School If I Have the Flu? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More 5 Tips for Surviving Shots If you're afraid of shots, you're not alone. Next time your doc asks you to roll up your sleeve, try these tips. Read More Hand Washing: Why It's So Important Did you know that the most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands? If you don't wash your hands frequently, you can pick up germs from other sources and then infect yourself. Read More Germs: Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, and Protozoa Germs are tiny organisms that can cause disease - and they're so small that they can creep into your system without you noticing. Find out how to protect yourself. Read More Fighting Germs Germs are tiny organisms that can cause disease - and they're so small that they can creep into your system without you noticing. Find out how to protect yourself. Read More 5 Ways to Stay Healthy for the Holidays Stay well and have a good time over the holidays - even if everyone else is falling apart. Our 5 tips will help boost your body's defenses. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.