Rainy days are back—and so is flu season. The damp weather creates the perfect conditions for viruses to spread. One person gets sick, and soon, your whole household is down with the flu.

Protect yourself and your family from the common cold and flu! Use these easy tips to prevent viruses or keep them from spreading.

The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which thrives in damp and cool conditions. It’s very contagious since it can survive up to 48 hours on surfaces.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends thorough routine cleaning, especially for high-contact areas.

Look for products that contain chlorine (found in bleach), detergents like soap, and at least 60% alcohol.

Save on cleaning supplies with DIY disinfectants. Mix 2.5 tablespoons of bleach with two cups of water, then pour into a spray bottle or soak squares of rags or diaper cloth.

Bleach solutions lose potency over time, so make a small batch you can use up within two to three days.

Wipe down door knobs, light switches, appliances, shelves, or cabinets that store everyday items like clothes and toys.

Wipe phones, keyboards, and other gadgets at least once a day. Don’t forget work surfaces! Keep a small spray bottle or container of disinfectant wipes on your table and set a phone alarm, so you don’t forget.

Good ventilation reduces the concentration of airborne viruses. Open windows to let in fresh air, even for a few minutes. Use fans to circulate air in your home.

Consider investing in air purifiers for common areas like the living room or dining room.

The flu vaccine reduces your risk for flu or the severity of its symptoms. Make sure everyone in your household gets the flu shot every year. Schedule it two weeks before flu season, since it takes time for your body to develop antibodies.

However, you can still get the flu even if you’ve been vaccinated, so continue to take precautions—especially when someone in your household shows flu-like symptoms.

Support your immune system with a healthy, balanced diet. These vitamins and minerals help the body fight infections and build disease-fighting cells.

• Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, cabbage, and potatoes
• Vitamin B6: Chicken, beef, tuna, liver and other organ meats, bananas, chickpeas, and ginger
• Vitamin E: Nuts and nut butter, sunflower seeds, and fruits like mango and avocado
• Zinc: Red meat, shrimp, canned sardines, milk, cheddar cheese, lentils, Greek yogurt

People with the flu are most contagious in the first three days of being sick. So, don’t ignore early symptoms like fatigue, body aches, or a runny nose. These can show up before a bad cough or fever. Babies or toddlers may also be fussy or have low appetite or energy.

When you see these symptoms, act quickly to stop the virus from spreading. Ask the sick family member to wear a mask. If a baby or child is sick, assign one person to look after them.

Apply the precautions you learned during the pandemic to any “flu outbreak” in your home.

• Isolate the patient. They should stay in their bedroom, or at least avoid entering common areas like the living room.
• Separate eating utensils and glasses. Choose a set that looks very different from what everyone uses. Wash in hot soapy water to kill the virus.
• Use disposable paper towels. Since the virus can live on cloth, swap dishcloths, and hand towels for disposables—at least until flu season is over.
• Remind people about hygiene. This includes washing their hands frequently, using hand sanitizers, and covering their mouths with tissue or their elbow when they sneeze.

Once the person recovers, disinfect the room and anything they used while they were sick, like toys or remote controls. Try making your own natural cleaning products to save money and minimize harsh chemicals.

Change curtains, bedding, and towels. Spray the mattress and other bedroom furniture with a disinfectant. Open all the windows to clear the air.