Stay Home if you are Sick

Don’t spread your illness to others. Stay home if you are sick. This is especially important for children, who more easily spread the flu.

When an individual is infected with the flu virus, they may be contagious up to 1 day before showing any symptoms and up to 5 days after. You or your family members should stay home when sick to decrease the chances of infecting others at work and school. Avoiding close contact with infected individuals, or limiting your contact with individuals when you are sick, will decrease the chances of spreading the flu virus.

Being aware of symptoms related to influenza is the most effective way to know if you are getting sick and may be contagious.

Stay home if you, or a family member, experience the following:

• ► Fever higher than 100.4°F

• ► Chills

• ► Muscle aches or pain

• ► Headache

• ► Weakness, fatigue and/or exhaustion

• ► Cough

• ► Runny or stuffy nose

• ► Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain (more common in children)

Recognizing the symptoms and staying home while ill will limit the spread of the flu virus.

Prior to an event, utilize a Home Care Guide & Preparedness Kit and maintain a Personal Information Card to be prepared.