In our increasingly connected world, it’s hard to avoid catching the flu! Touching everyday things like door handles, keyboards, and even pens can put us at risk of becoming really sick. So what happens when a flu epidemic breaks out? Do you know what to do during a flu epidemic? There have been four major flu epidemics in the United States over the last 100 years. We are soon “due” for another.

Here’s how to keep yourself safe:

Head to the Doctor

At the first sign of fever, cough, or aches and pains, it’s wise to visit your doctor as soon as you can for medical treatment. This way your symptoms can be addressed early enough that you might even not have to suffer through the worst of the flu before healing.

Purchase Hand Sanitizer

During a flu epidemic (or just regular flu season) you should wash your hands more than usual. Washing your hands before meals or after using the restroom won’t be enough to keep you healthy; you should wash your hands frequently throughout the day. If you don’t have access to soap and water, you can purchase an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

You should also avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, as you can easily become infected through this contact.

Wear Latex Gloves

If you are still wondering what to do during a flu epidemic, you can invest in a few boxes of latex gloves to wear after you have washed your hands. The added layer of protection between your skin and the infectious disease can make it harder to become ill.

Wear Medical Facemasks

Wearing a medical facemask during a flu epidemic is a wise way to avoid inhaling deadly flu germs. You should wear the mask when you are around an infected person, such as a child in your home, or in high-density areas like shopping malls, airplanes, or your place of employment where flu carriers are more likely to be.

Stay Home  

If you catch the flu, or a high number of flu cases break out in your immediate area, you should prepare yourself to stay at home for up to two weeks while the population heals. For this part of what to do during a flu epidemic, you should have essential emergency supplies at home like bottled water, canned food, and basic medication.