Flu season can feel like a never-ending game of dodgeball—except instead of rubber balls, it’s nasty germs flying your way. When one sniffle turns into a family-wide symphony of sneezes, it’s no walk in the park. The good news? A few simple hygiene hacks can go a long way in keeping those pesky flu viruses at bay. Taking small, mindful steps now can save you and your loved ones from a season full of tissues, thermometers, and sleepless nights.

Here are some practical, easy-to-follow tips to shield your family from the flu this season—no hazmat suits required!

1. Make Handwashing a Family Ritual

If there’s one habit that can save your family from a flu outbreak, it’s washing your hands. Think about it—your hands touch everything. From doorknobs to phones to grocery carts, they’re perfect hitchhiking spots for germs. Teaching the family how to properly wash their hands is one of the simplest yet most effective defenses against illness.

Here’s the scrub-down routine to follow:

  • Wet hands with clean, running water (warm or cold—it doesn’t matter).
  • Apply soap generously and lather up the palms, backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails.
  • Rub those hands together for at least 20 seconds—think two rounds of the “Happy Birthday” song.
  • Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel.

Pro tip for kids: Turn it into a fun game with colorful soaps or a timer. If they see handwashing as a chore, they’ll rush through it; making it enjoyable encourages them to stick with it.

2. The Art of Avoiding Germ Hotspots

Germ hotspots are basically flu virus playgrounds, and they’re lurking around every corner. Your job? Know where they are and avoid them—or clean them when you can. Here’s where germs love to hang out and what you can do:

  • Shared Public Surfaces
  • Shopping cart handles, elevator buttons, and touchscreen kiosks are germ magnets. Carry a small pack of disinfectant wipes or use a paper towel as a barrier where possible.
  • Your Home’s High-Touch Surfaces
  • Family members touch light switches, remote controls, doorknobs, and faucet handles constantly. Make it a habit to wipe these down daily with disinfectant.
  • Smartphones and Tablets
  • You might not think about how often these are touched with unwashed hands! Clean screens and cases every couple of days with alcohol wipes made for electronics to keep flu germs off your tech.

3. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Tissues

Teaching proper tissue etiquette can be a simple yet effective hygiene solution. Encourage everyone to carry tissues in their pocket or bag and use them for sneezes, coughs, and runny noses. Covering a sneeze or cough with a tissue instead of your hand reduces the risk of spreading germs to surfaces that others might touch.

Dispose of used tissues promptly in a trash bin, and always wash hands afterward. This small effort can make a significant impact—especially during peak flu season.

4. Keep Hands Away from Faces

Kids are especially guilty of this. They’ll touch a sticky countertop one moment and rub their eyes the next without a second thought. Unfortunately, viruses love to enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth. Even adults can be face-touching culprits, sometimes without even realizing it.

The hack? Make face-touching a “catch-and-correct” situation in your home. Whenever someone touches their face unnecessarily, gently remind them to stop and redirect with an activity that keeps hands busy. For kids, you might suggest playing with a fidget toy or doodling instead.

5. Create a Disinfection Routine

During flu season, it’s time to step up your cleaning game. Even if you usually tidy up once a week, flu season calls for more frequent disinfecting of common areas. The kitchen counter, bathroom sinks, and toys are prime targets for viruses and bacteria.

Here’s a simple disinfection routine:

  • Use everyday household disinfectant sprays or wipes. Be sure to follow product instructions for effectiveness.
  • Prioritize high-traffic areas where the family gathers, like the living room or dining table.
  • For softer surfaces like pillows or plush toys, check if they’re machine washable or use a fabric-safe sanitizer spray.

Bonus hack: Keep a clean sponge or dishcloth specifically for wiping down surfaces. Change it out frequently to avoid re-spreading germs.

6. Boost Immunity Through Healthy Habits

A strong immune system lays the foundation for your family to fight off the flu if germs do manage to sneak in. While vitamins and supplements can help, the real magic lies in everyday habits:

  • Nutrition: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins in your family meals. Foods rich in vitamin C (like oranges), zinc (like nuts or seeds), and antioxidants (like berries) are fantastic for immune support.
  • Regular Activity: Physical activity can strengthen the immune system, so make it a family affair! Even a brisk walk together a few times a week can be extremely beneficial.
  • Restorative Sleep: Sleep is when the body repairs itself. Establish sleep routines for kids and stick to them. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours a night to stay on top of their game.
  • Hydration: Ensure everyone drinks plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can lower immunity, so keep those refillable water bottles handy.

7. Stay Home If You Feel Sick

We often push through illness to avoid falling behind at work or school—but during flu season, staying home when you (or your kids) are sick is one of the most considerate things you can do for your community. Resting at home prevents spreading the virus to others and helps your body recover faster.

Explain to kids that staying home lets them “recharge their batteries” with lots of fluids and cuddles from Mom or Dad. If you suspect flu symptoms, contact your doctor for advice on managing them and for guidance on whether it’s safe to return to regular activities.

8. Vaccination as a First Line of Defense

While this article is mainly about hygiene, it’s worth mentioning that the annual flu vaccine is one of the best ways to protect your family from the worst of the flu. Pairing vaccination with these hygiene hacks ensures you have the ultimate defense team in place.

Ask your family doctor about flu shot availability for everyone in your household, especially for kids and older adults who may be more vulnerable.

You don’t have to bubble-wrap your family or live in fear of flu germs this winter. With these simple hygiene hacks you can do your very best to keep the germs at bay.