Make sure everyone in the household cleans their hands often

Check with your health care provider to see if the caregiver or other household members should take antivirals to prevent the flu

Use paper towels for drying hands after washing, or dedicate a different cloth towel to the infected person

Clean surfaces with a household disinfectant

Throw away tissues and other used disposable items in the trash, and thoroughly wash hands after touching them

Linens, eating utensils and dishes belonging to the sick person don’t need to be cleaned separately, but never share them without washing first

Eating utensils should be washed in a dishwasher or by hand with soap and hot water

Wash bed sheets and towels by using regular laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Clean your hands right after handling dirty laundry

Limit the number of visitors and avoid face-to-face contact

The sick person should wear a loose-fitting surgical mask if in contact with others, found at pharmacies or hardware stores. Caregivers should always wear a mask to prevent getting and spreading the illness

• An N95 respirator fits snugly over your face and filters out small particles that can be inhaled around the edges of a facemask

• Most N95 respirators available at local hardware stores or pharmacies have been certified by the federal government to filter the air you breathe

• Wear an N95 respirator if the sick person uses an inhaler or nebulizer

• Used disposable facemasks and N95 respirators should be taken off and immediately thrown in the trash. Avoid re-using if possible

• More information on facemasks and respirators can be found at www.cdc.gov/swineflu