How to Flu-Proof Your Home

How often has this happened at your house? One person gets a cold or the flu, and before you know it, everyone has it. The flu can spread quickly from one member of the household to another, but there are plenty of steps you can take to reduce the risk of infection. Keeping your home clean, sanitizing surfaces, and practicing healthy habits can go a long way toward lowering flu risk. Prepare yourself for flu season, with our guide to flu-proofing your home this year.

1. Sanitize Surfaces That See Frequent Use
   The flu can spread quickly, and germs often linger on the most commonly touched surfaces in the home. That means it's essential to sanitize those surfaces regularly during flu season, with disinfecting wipes or other similar cleaning tools. Pay special attention to doorknobs, faucets, light switches, appliance handles, countertops, and any other surface that's touched frequently by different members of the household.
2. Don't Forget to Clean Electronics and Mobile Devices
   While you're sanitizing surfaces, it's easy to forget commonly used electronics like your remote control, gaming controllers, smartphones, computers, and tablets. These are often among the most used items in the home, so it's important to sanitize them as well. If you have questions about how to safely clean electronic devices in your home, consult the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Clean Your Home Frequently throughout Flu Season
   In addition to sanitizing commonly used surfaces and electronics, you'll want to take the other necessary steps to keep your home clean throughout the flu season. Pay special attention to the kitchen, bathrooms, and any other area that sees high traffic from multiple members of the household. Use a dishwasher to get dishes extra clean, rather than washing them by hand. Make sure to wash towels, rags, sponges, and any other cleaning tools that you use.
4. Cover Mouth When Coughing or Sneezing
   The most effective flu prevention steps are often tips that we've all heard since childhood, but that doesn't make them any less important. Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing is key to preventing germs from spreading throughout your home, and it's something that every member of the household can do. Keeping your mouth covered helps keeps germs from spreading, and from sticking to the surfaces that you work hard to keep sanitized.
5. Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose, and Mouth
   No matter how much you clean, there's no way to get rid of every germ lurking around the house. During flu season, try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, to keep any germs that you've touched from getting into your system. This is especially important when another member of the household has the flu, but it's a good step even when everyone's feeling well.
6. Wash Hands Regularly
   Washing your hands thoroughly and regularly is one of the most important, simplest steps you can take to reduce flu risk. Even if you haven't done anything to pick up germs, wash your hands regularly as a preventative measure.

While there's no way to eliminate the risk of the flu spreading in your home, taking the necessary steps to prepare for flu season can reduce your risk. Keep your home as clean as possible, sanitize surfaces including electronics, and practice simple, healthy habits to reduce your risk of catching the flu this year.

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