The sick person should not have visitors other than the caregiver. A phone call is safer than a visit.
If possible, have only one adult in the home take care of the sick person. People at increased risk of severe illness from flu should not be the caretaker, if possible.
If you are in a high risk group for complications from flu, try to avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with household members who are sick with the flu.
Try not to have pregnant women care for the sick person. Pregnant women are at higher risk of flu-related complications.
All persons in the household should clean their hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer often, including after every contact with the sick person or the person's room or bathroom.
Use paper towels for drying hands after hand washing or dedicate cloth towels for each person in the household. For example, have different colored towels for each person.
If possible, try to have good ventilation in shared household areas. Keep windows open in restrooms, kitchen, bathroom, etc.
Household Cleaning, Laundry and Waste Disposal:
Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by the sick
person in the trash. Wash your hands after touching used tissues and similar waste.
Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the
bathroom, and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the
product label.
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are
sick do not need to be cleaned separately. However, these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) by using household
laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Avoid "hugging" laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating yourself. Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer right
after handling dirty laundry.
Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with hot water and soap.
If You Are the Caregiver:
Avoid being face-to-face with the sick person.
When holding small children who are sick, place their chin on your shoulder so that they will not cough in your face.
Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer
before and after you touch the sick person or handle used tissues or laundry.
If you are at high risk for complications of the flu, you should not be the caretaker, if possible.
