Want to avoid spending the winter feeling awful and curled up with a pile of tissues? Follow these eight tips from UCSF experts.

  1. Get a flu shot. See a list of UCSF clinics that offer flu shots to their patients.
  2. If you have a fever or flu symptoms, don't go to school or work.
  3. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, unless you need medical care.
  4. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, not your hands, when coughing or sneezing.
  5. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
  6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  7. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work and school.
  8. Practice healthy habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.