Creating Healthy Habits at Home That Help Prevent the Flu

Flu prevention starts with everyday choices. While no single habit can completely eliminate the risk of influenza, consistent healthy behaviors can help reduce the spread of germs and protect families throughout flu season.

The habits children learn at home often become the habits they practice at school, with friends, and in their communities. Creating a healthy household routine is one way families can prepare for flu season.

Make Handwashing a Family Habit

Hands come into contact with countless surfaces every day. When someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, germs can enter the body.

Teach children to wash their hands:

• Before eating
• After using the restroom
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose
• After returning home from school or activities
• After caring for someone who is sick

Handwashing should include soap, running water, and at least 20 seconds of scrubbing.

Teach Proper Cough and Sneeze Etiquette

Small actions can make a big difference when viruses are circulating.

Encourage children to:

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue
• Throw used tissues away immediately
• Cough or sneeze into their elbow when a tissue is unavailable
• Wash their hands afterward

These habits help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets that can carry viruses.

Keep Frequently Touched Surfaces Clean

The flu virus can spread when people touch contaminated surfaces and then touch their face.

Regularly clean household items such as:

• Door handles
• Light switches
• Phones and tablets
• Remote controls
• Kitchen surfaces

The CDC recommends cleaning frequently touched surfaces as part of everyday flu prevention practices, especially when someone in the household is sick.

Build Healthy Daily Routines

Healthy routines support overall well-being and help families stay prepared during flu season.

Encourage:

Consistent Sleep

Adequate sleep supports children’s growth, learning, and overall health.

Balanced Nutrition

A variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains helps provide important nutrients.

Physical Activity

Regular movement supports physical and mental health.

Hydration

Drinking enough fluids helps children maintain healthy daily routines.

Stay Home When Sick

One of the most effective ways to reduce flu transmission is staying home when experiencing symptoms.

Children who attend school while sick may unknowingly spread influenza to classmates, teachers, and families.

Staying home when sick is not only about recovery—it is also a way to protect others. Coalition to Stop Flu

Make Flu Vaccination Part of Your Routine

Annual flu vaccination remains one of the best ways to protect against influenza.

Families should speak with their healthcare providers about annual flu vaccination recommendations.

Healthy Habits Protect More Than Your Household

Flu prevention is a community effort. When families practice healthy habits, they help reduce opportunities for viruses to spread.

By making prevention part of everyday life, families can help create healthier homes, schools, and communities throughout flu season.