5 Habits to Prevent Flu from Spreading

With flu and other respiratory illnesses circulating across the United States, everyday healthy habits play an important role in reducing the spread of illness and protecting the health of individuals and families. Physicians across Memorial Healthcare System, including Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, emphasize that while not every illness can be avoided, consistent, practical behaviors can make a meaningful difference, especially during times of increased respiratory illness activity.

Here are five habits that continue to matter most.

1. Wash Your Hands Frequently and Thoroughly

Handwashing remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the spread of germs.

Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly before eating, after using the bathroom, after school or work, after public outings, and after coughing or sneezing. Building consistent handwashing routines helps protect both individuals and those around them.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a great alternative when you are on the go, and your hands are not visibly soiled.

2. Stay Home and Limit Contact When You’re Sick

When illness is circulating widely, staying home while sick helps protect others and supports recovery.

As a general guideline, individuals should stay home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and symptoms are improving. A fever is typically defined as a temperature of 100.4°F or higher.

If staying home isn’t possible, limiting close contact and creating space from others can help reduce exposure, especially for young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic health conditions. Masks can help provide a barrier to prevent the spread of droplets that can travel 3-6 feet.

3. Cover Coughs and Sneezes

Respiratory droplets are a common way illnesses spread.

Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, dispose of tissues promptly, and wash your hands afterward. This habit is especially important in shared spaces such as classrooms, offices, and public settings.

4. Clean and Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces

Viruses can remain on frequently touched surfaces.

Regularly clean and disinfect items such as doorknobs, light switches, phones, keyboards, countertops, tables, and remote controls, particularly in shared environments and during periods of increased illness activity.

5. Pay Attention to Symptoms and Seek Care When Needed

Symptoms of common respiratory illnesses often overlap, and early attention matters.

Persistent fever, fatigue, breathing changes, or symptoms that worsen or do not improve should be evaluated by a medical professional. Early assessment can help guide next steps and prevent complications.

Our physicians at Memorial Urgent Care Centers and Memorial Primary Care Centers are available to help determine whether symptoms require testing, treatment, or follow-up care.

Supporting Health Across the Community

When respiratory illness activity is elevated, individual actions matter. Practicing healthy habits at home, at school, and at work helps reduce the spread of illness and supports the health of the broader community.

Memorial Healthcare System and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital remain committed to providing trusted care and guidance for individuals and families across South Florida.