When a family member contracts the flu (Influenza A or B), the highly contagious nature of the illness makes household transmission a significant risk. The virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and through contact with contaminated surfaces. Limiting the spread requires a deliberate approach focused on physical separation, rigorous personal hygiene, and environmental sanitation. These measures reduce viral exposure for healthy residents and protect vulnerable family members.
Isolating the Infected Family Member
Creating a physical boundary between the sick individual and the rest of the household is the first line of defense. If possible, establish a dedicated “sick room” to contain the virus. The infected person should remain there for at least 24 hours after their fever resolves without the use of fever-reducing medication. Assign the ill person a specific bathroom; if sharing is unavoidable, it must be cleaned and disinfected frequently after each use.
Minimizing contact also extends to shared items, which can transfer the virus. The sick person should use their own dishes, glasses, and utensils, which must be thoroughly washed before others use them. Linens, towels, and clothing used by the ill individual must be kept separate from the general household laundry until cleaned. Caregivers should limit time spent in the sick room to only what is necessary for providing care or delivering meals.
Implementing Strict Personal Hygiene Practices
Personal behavior modification is necessary for both sick and healthy residents to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets and contamination. The sick individual should practice respiratory etiquette by covering every cough or sneeze with a tissue, which must be immediately disposed of in a lined trash can. If a tissue is unavailable, the person should cough into their elbow rather than their hands to avoid contaminating surfaces.
Frequent handwashing is the most effective defense against picking up the virus from contaminated surfaces. Hands must be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, ensuring a thorough scrub of all surfaces, including the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails. Both the ill person and caregivers should follow this practice, especially after handling used tissues, before eating, and after interacting with the sick individual. If the sick person must leave their designated room, they should wear a face mask to contain virus particles and minimize the risk of spreading droplets in shared spaces.
Cleaning and Disinfecting High-Touch Areas
Environmental cleaning is essential because the influenza virus can remain viable on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. Regular cleaning should focus on “high-touch” surfaces, which are frequently contacted throughout the day. These surfaces include:
- Doorknobs
- Light switches
- Remote controls
- Kitchen counters
- Phones
- Faucet handles
Disinfecting these areas should be done using an EPA-approved household disinfectant effective against influenza A virus, or a freshly prepared bleach solution. First, clean visibly dirty surfaces with soap and water to remove debris before applying the disinfectant, as organic material reduces effectiveness. When laundering items used by the ill person, use the hot water setting (140°F or higher) and dry them completely on a high heat setting, as heat inactivates the virus. Caregivers should avoid shaking soiled linens before washing, and should wash their hands immediately after handling contaminated items.