If one member of your family gets a contagious disease such as flu, is everyone else doomed? Not necessarily, public health experts say: Families can take several protective steps. “They won’t necessarily completely prevent the spread, but they will help,” says Dr. William Berg, director of the Hampton Health District in Virginia.
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Isolate the sick person.
Best-case scenario: The person stays in one room and has just one caregiver; someone with a respiratory illness ideally should wear a mask if around other family members. You also can designate a spot on a sofa or chair for the sick person, preferably at a distance from others.
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Buy disposable gloves.
When cleaning up vomit or diarrhea, gloves are your best protection. Wash your hands before and after wearing gloves to kill as many germs as possible.
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Use hand sanitizers correctly.
Sanitizers don’t work as well as soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty. Also, make sure a product contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
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Put bags in all trash containers.
Don’t throw used tissues into an unlined can.
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Wash soiled items quickly.
Clean dirty clothes, linens and soft toys with soap and hot water.
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Clean surfaces well.
Use a bleach solution or disinfectant wipes, especially on door knobs, faucets, flush handles, television remote controls and other frequently touched items. If you can see dirt, clean that with a paper towel and soap while wearing gloves, then wipe the area down.
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Wash hands often.
Sick or well, family members need to clean their hands frequently.
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Don’t share.
Make sure the sick person has his own bedding, clothing, dishes and cups.
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