If a family member has been unfortunate enough to catch the flu this season, there are ways that you can prevent it from infecting other family members. Flu is a viral illness that is spread by coughs and sneezes. Anyone within four to six feet away can be infected.
The flu virus is also spread when food or surfaces such as door knobs, telephone handsets and computer keyboards become contaminated. The flu can be spread when another family member touches these surfaces and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. Since the flu can spread so easily from person to person, especially in your Seattle home, there are ways that you can minimize the risk of others becoming infected. Below are five effective prevention practices:
Restrict contact with others
The best way is to make arrangements so the ill person will have only minimal contact with others for seven days after onset of the flu.
Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
The infected person should use a tissue or the crook of the elbow to sneeze or cough into, and immediately dispose of the tissue by placing it in a bin and washing hands thoroughly.
Observing diligent personal hygiene
The infected person should wash hands frequently and avoid contact with food items and surfaces that are touched by others. Other family members should wash their hands after handling any item touched by the infected person. They should also avoid touching their eyes, hands and mouth.
Keep a clean home
Clean and disinfect often the surfaces and items that can carry the virus such as sinks, toilets, kitchen items, counters, home desks and door knobs. Keep hand sanitizers readily available in different places in your Seattle home.
Protect vulnerable family members through extra means
If a family member is over 65 years of age, or has a medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, you may wish to take further steps to improve the respiratory health of your home.
You can get expert advice and service by contacting and consulting your HVAC experts at at to learn how you can provide quality air in your home.
Keep your HVAC unit working by calling Gene Johnson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical at 206.792.7495 in your Seattle, WA area.
