What kind of behavior would make you susceptible to catching the flu?

Answer 1

Some types of behavior that could place you at more risk for the flu during flu season are:

• Neglecting to get your annual flu vaccination as soon as it is available
• Not washing your hands after touching public things and surfaces
• Not washing your hands after direct contact with others
• Touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Chewing your finger nails
• Sucking your thumb
• Picking your nose
• Rubbing your eyes
• Sharing drinks and eating utensils with other people
• Kissing someone with signs of the flu or who has been exposed to the flu
• Being within 6 feet of someone already sick with the flu
• Not washing your hands before and after eating
• Not washing your hands after toileting
• Not washing your hands properly (see related question below)
• Being in crowded places in flu season
• Using a shopping cart without first cleaning with sanitizing wipes
• Not laughing enough (it actually is good for your immune system to laugh)
• Not getting enough sleep
• Not eating healthy foods
• Cigarette smoking

See the related questions below for more information on how to avoid the flu.