When you are caring for a sick person at home with the flu, you should:

• Keep the sick person in a room separate from the common areas of the house and keep their door closed as much as possible.  A window may be opened in their room to keep air fresh and moist.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleanser after you touch the sick person, their supplies or after you visit their room
• Throw tissues and other disposable items away that have been used by the sick person
• Use household disinfectants to wipe down surfaces in the house
• Avoid sharing linens, eating utensils and dishes with the sick person
• If the sick person is a child, hold them with their face away from yours so they will not cough on you
• Avoid being face to face with the sick person or wear a mask if you are within six feet of them
• If you are at high risk of complications from the flu, you should not take care of a sick person.  Persons at risk for severe flu are:
  • Pregnant Women
  • Children < 18 Years Old
  • Adults
  • Children with Chronic Illness

If you have any of the above,and must care for an ill person, call your physician to discuss whether you need treatment to lower your chance of getting the flu.