Treating Flu with Antiviral Drugs

Treatment overview

Flu antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, an inhaled powder, or an intravenous solution) that fight against flu viruses in your body. Antiviral drugs are not sold over the counter. You can only get them if you have a prescription from a health care provider. Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics, which fight against bacterial infections. Antiviral drugs for flu only work to treat flu. Flu antiviral drugs are different than antiviral drugs used to treat other infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Antiviral drugs prescribed to treat COVID-19 are not approved or recommended to treat flu.

Treatment of flu with flu antiviral medications works best when started within 1-2 days after flu symptoms begin. Flu antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by about a day. Starting antiviral treatment shortly after symptoms begin also can help reduce some flu complications. For adults hospitalized with flu, some studies have reported that early antiviral treatment can reduce the duration of hospitalization and their risk of death.

Recommended antiviral drugs for this flu season

There are four FDA-approved antiviral drugs recommended by CDC to treat flu this season.

• oseltamivir phosphate (available as a generic version or under the trade name Tamiflu®),
• zanamivir (trade name Relenza®),
• peramivir (trade name Rapivab®), and
• baloxavir marboxil (trade name Xofluza®).

Oseltamivir

Generic oseltamivir and Tamiflu® are available as a pill or liquid suspension and are FDA approved for early treatment of flu in people 14 days and older.

Zanamivir

Zanamivir is a powdered medication that is inhaled and approved for early treatment of flu in people 7 years and older. Note: Zanamivir (trade name Relenza®) is administered using an inhaler device and is not recommended for people with breathing problems like asthma or COPD. Oseltamivir and zanamivir are given twice a day for five days.

Peramivir

Peramivir is given once intravenously by a health care provider and is approved for early treatment of flu in people 6 months and older.

Baloxavir

Baloxavir is a pill given as a single dose by mouth and is approved for early treatment of uncomplicated flu in people 5 years and older. Baloxavir is also approved for post-exposure prophylaxis (use in preventing flu) in people 5 years and older following contact with a person with flu. Note: Baloxavir (trade name Xofluza®) is not recommended for treatment of flu during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, or in outpatients with complicated or progressive illness because there is no information about use of baloxavir in these patients. Baloxavir is also not recommended for treatment of flu in hospitalized patients due to limited data.

Who should take antiviral drugs

It's very important that flu antiviral drugs are started as soon as possible to treat patients who are:

• hospitalized with flu,
• people who are very sick with flu but who do not need to be hospitalized, and
• people who are at increased risk of serious flu complications based on their age or underling health conditions, if they develop flu symptoms. For example, people with asthma and chronic lung disease, diabetes, or heart disease are at higher risk, as well as pregnant women.

Although patients with mild illness who are not at higher risk for flu complications may also be treated with antiviral drugs, most do not need to be.

Children

Children can take flu antiviral drugs, though this varies by medication. Oseltamivir is recommended by CDC for treatment of flu in children beginning from birth and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends oseltamivir for treatment of flu in children 2 weeks old or older.

• Oseltamivir is available as an oral suspension for children.
• Zanamivir is approved for early treatment of flu in people 7 years and older, though it is not recommended for use in children with underlying respiratory disease, including asthma and other chronic lung diseases.
• Peramivir is approved for early treatment in people 6 months and older.
• Baloxavir is available in a single dose tablet for children 5 years and older.

If your child's health care provider prescribes oseltamivir capsules for your child and your child cannot swallow capsules, but the pediatric liquid suspension is not available, the prescribed capsules may be opened, mixed with a thick sweetened liquid, and given that way.

Oral oseltamivir is recommended for treatment of flu during pregnancy because compared to other recommended antiviral medications, it has the most studies available to suggest that it is safe and beneficial during pregnancy. Baloxavir is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as there are no available efficacy or safety data.

Antiviral treatment provides the greatest benefit when started soon after flu illness begins. Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when they are started within two days of getting sick. However, starting them later can still be beneficial, especially if the sick person is at higher risk of serious flu complications or is in the hospital with more severe illness. Follow instructions for taking these drugs. Follow your doctor's instructions and the dose, frequency, and duration listed on the label instructions for taking these drugs.

Check with your doctor promptly if you are at higher risk of serious flu complications (full list of people who are at higher risk) and you develop flu symptoms.

What not to do

Antibiotics will not treat flu

When antibiotics aren't needed, they won't help you, and their side effects could still cause harm. Side effects can range from mild reactions, like a rash, to more serious health problems. These problems can include severe allergic reactions, antimicrobial-resistant infections and C. diff infection. C. diff causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and death.

Possible side effects vary for each flu antiviral medication. The most common side effects reported for oseltamivir are nausea and vomiting. Zanamivir can cause bronchospasm (difficulty breathing with wheezing), and peramivir can cause diarrhea. Other less common side effects also have been reported. Your health care provider can give you more information about these drugs or you can check the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website for specific information about antiviral drugs, including the manufacturer's package insert.

Antiviral drugs are not a substitute for getting a flu vaccine. While flu vaccine can vary in effectiveness from season-to-season, a flu vaccine is best way to help prevent seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications. Everyone 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccine every year. Antiviral drugs are a second line of defense that can be used to treat flu (including seasonal flu and novel influenza viruses) if you get sick.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/antiviral-drugs.html

About Respiratory Illnesses

Even healthy people can get very sick from respiratory illnesses. In fact, last year, CDC estimated that at least 1 million people were hospitalized and more than 70,000 people died from respiratory virus illnesses.1

Respiratory viruses may affect both the upper respiratory tract (the vocal cords and above) and the lower respiratory tract (below the vocal cords). Some viruses that affect the nose and throat can progress to cause serious lung infections, such as pneumonia.

Examples of symptoms affecting the respiratory tract:

Other possible symptoms:

Respiratory illnesses can make anyone sick. However, some people have risk factors that can increase their chances of getting very sick (severe illness). 

Age: Adults who are 65 years and older and children younger than 2 years old are usually at higher risk for getting very sick from respiratory illnesses.

Underlying conditions: Having medical conditions (for example, chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease), a weakened immune system, disability, and/or being pregnant are conditions that might increase your risk.

There are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory illnesses.

CDC recommends that all people use these core measures to protect themselves and others from respiratory illnesses.

Additional actions can provide an extra layer of protection. 

Treatment with antiviral medication can reduce severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Flu and COVID-19 treatments are widely available and are recommended for those at higher risk for severe illness. Treatments for flu and COVID-19 work best when taken as soon as possible. 

Emergency warning signs in adults can include the following:

Seek medical care immediately if you experience these warning signs.

Emergency warning signs of respiratory virus complications can be different in children. Seek immediate medical care for any of the following:

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/about/index.html

About Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a condition that affects the spine and is usually apparent at birth. It is a type of neural tube defect (NTD).

Spina bifida can happen anywhere along the spine if the neural tube does not form properly or close all the way. When the neural tube doesn't close all the way, the backbone that protects the spinal cord doesn't form and close. This often results in damage to the spinal cord and nerves.

Each year, about 1,278 babies are born with spina bifida, or 1 in every 2,875 births.1Hispanic women have the highest rate of having a child with spina bifida compared with non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black women.

Data from birth defects tracking programs were used to estimate the total number of pregnancies affected by spina bifida in the United States and are estimated as follows:

The three most common types of spina bifida include spina bifida occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele.

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Myelomeningocele

(sounds like: my-low-ma-nin-jo-seal)

When people talk about spina bifida, most often they are referring to myelomeningocele. Myelomeningocele is the most serious type of spina bifida. With this condition, a sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby's back. Part of the spinal cord and nerves are in this sac and are damaged. This type of spina bifida causes moderate to severe disabilities, such as not being able to move the legs.

(sounds like: ma-nin-jo-seal)

Meningocele happens when a sac of fluid comes through an opening in the baby's back, but the spinal cord is not in this sac. There is usually little or no nerve damage. This type of spina bifida can cause minor disabilities.

(sounds like: o-cult-tuh)

Spina bifida occulta is the mildest type of spina bifida and usually does not cause disabilities. It is sometimes called "hidden" spina bifida. With it, there is a small gap in the spine, but no opening or fluid sac on the back. The spinal cord and the nerves usually are normal. Many times, spina bifida occulta is not discovered until late childhood or adulthood. 

We do not know all the causes of spina bifida. The role that genetics and the environment play in causing spina bifida needs to be studied further.

Research studies have reported some factors that might increase the chance of having a baby with spina bifida:

Spina bifida can be diagnosed during pregnancy or after the baby is born. Spina bifida occulta might not be diagnosed until late childhood or adulthood or might never be diagnosed.

During pregnancy, there are screening tests (prenatal tests) to check for spina bifida and other birth defects. For example, an AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) test might be part of a test called the “quad screen.” A high level of AFP might mean that a baby has spina bifida. Frequently, spina bifida can be seen with an ultrasound, which is a type of picture of the baby. 

In some cases, spina bifida might not be diagnosed until after the baby is born. Sometimes there is a hairy patch of skin or a dimple on the back that is seen after birth. A doctor can use an image scan, such as an X-ray, to get a clearer view of the baby's spine.

Some scientists think that the impact of spina bifida to the legs, bladder and bowel may begin during pregnancy. Therefore, closing the opening in the back during pregnancy may reduce long-term disability associated with spina bifida. The Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS) Trial looked at infants who had this surgery before 26 weeks of pregnancy. This landmark study found that closing spina bifida during pregnancy can:

This treatment does not come without risks, including problems with the placenta and infection. The rate of death in the first year of life ranged from 0-20%, but most reports show rates in the 2-6% range.2

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/spina-bifida/about/index.html

Providing Care for Babies to Sleep Safely

CDC supports the 2022 recommendations issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Take the following actions to help reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths.

View a safe sleep area at What does a safe sleep environment look like? from Safe to Sleep®.

In addition to the recommendations listed above, other recommendations from the AAP include:

Learn about these and other recommendations at How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained from AAP's Healthy Children.

In 2019, CDC experts hosted a Facebook live event to communicate information about safe sleep for babies. 

In this Spanish-language video, learn from experts about how to create a safe sleep area for baby. Additionally, find out answers to frequently asked questions. 

The Safe to Sleep® campaign has activities and educational materials to learn about how to help babies sleep safely.

Cribs for Kids® provides education and portable cribs to families who cannot afford a safe place for their babies to sleep.

Find sleep safety and suffocation prevention tips from Safe Kids Worldwide.

The following organizations offer support for families who have experienced the tragic loss of a baby:

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/sudden-infant-death/sleep-safely/index.html

H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation

Current situation

On July 7, 2025, CDC streamlined H5N1 bird flu updates with routine influenza data updates and updated reporting cadences to reflect the current public health situation. As such, the following changes were made to this page:

National situation summary

There is no known person-to-person spread at this time.

The current public health risk is Low.

70 cases

1 death

National Total Cases: 70 

NOTE: One additional case was previously detected in a poultry worker in Colorado in 2022. Louisiana reported the first H5 bird flu death in the U.S.

*Exposure Associated with Commercial Agriculture and Related Operations
†Exposure was related to other animals such as backyard flocks, wild birds, or other mammals
‡Exposure source was not able to be identified

When a case tests positive for H5 at a public health laboratory but testing at CDC is not able to confirm H5 infection, per Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) guidance, a case is reported as probable.

National flu surveillance (since February 25, 2024)

Note: National flu surveillance data will be updated on the first Friday of every month.

210,080+ specimens tested that would have detected influenza A(H5) or other novel influenza viruses

6 case detected through national flu surveillance

Targeted H5 surveillance (since March 24, 2024)

Note: Targeted H5 surveillance data will be updated on the first Friday of every month.

18,700+ after exposure to infected animals

880+ after exposure to infected animals

64 cases detected through targeted H5 surveillance

Detections in Animals

For data on HPAI detections in animals, visit the USDA website.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html

Breast Cancer Awareness

Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. For many women, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Mammograms can find cancer before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.

There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms can include:

If you have any signs that worry you, see your doctor right away.

Some main factors that affect your chance of getting breast cancer include:

You can do things to help lower your breast cancer risk.

Good Nutrition Starts Early

Children need fruits and vegetables daily for healthy growth and brain development. Early eating experiences can also affect how we eat as we get older. This is why it's so important to introduce young children to healthy foods, including a variety of fruits and vegetables.

To help children grow strong, include fruit and vegetables with their meals and snacks. Fresh, frozen, or canned options are all OK. With canned vegetables, look for products with low sodium. With canned or frozen fruits, choose ones with little or no added sugars.

Prepare and store fruit and vegetables in single-serving containers. Then you'll have a healthy snack ready when children are hungry.

How many fruits and vegetables children need depends on their age and how active they are. Use this information as a general guideline and use MyPlate Plan for more specific recommendations.

Some changes in how food is prepared can make fruits and vegetables even healthier. For example, rather than serving children a cereal bar containing fruit, offer them a few slices of whole fruit with unsweetened granola. Another example is to shift from fried vegetables to roasted vegetables.

Include a variety of fruits and vegetables to make a rainbow of different colored foods on your child's plate. Examples include:

When children are about 6 months old, you can start introducing them to foods and drinksother than breast milk and infant formula. These are sometimes called complementary foods. Think of these as "complementing," or adding to, breast milk or infant formula that you continue to feed your child. For most children, you don't need to introduce foods in a specific order.

By the time children are 7 or 8 months old, they can eat a variety of foods from different food groups. Your child needs a variety of vitamins and minerals to grow healthy and strong.

Avoid giving certain foods and drinks to children younger than 12 months.

As your child gets older, it's important to introduce them to a variety of foods. Between your child's first and second year, they will develop the skills needed to participate in family meals. By 2 years old, your child will be able to eat most of the same foods as everyone in the family. 

At this time, they may start refusing foods they previously liked or may start showing signs of picky eating. Favoring just a couple of foods or not wanting foods to touch each other on the plate are normal behaviors. These behaviors often go away by the time the child is about 5 years old.

Children may not like every food you give them on the first try. Give them a chance to try foods again and again, even if they don't like them at first. Children may need to try some foods many times before they like them.

When your child is 6 to 12 months old, you can offer:

Once your child is 12 months old, you can begin offering pasteurized, whole cow's milk and fortified soy beverages. These drinks are good sources of vitamin D and calcium for children 12 months and older. 

If you want to serve your children fruit juice, the American Academy of Pediatricsrecommends waiting until they are 1 year old. For children older than 1, serve only 100% fruit juice. Also limit each serving to the recommended amount.

Infants and young children should avoid added sugars. Check the Nutrition Facts Label to find foods with no added sugars.

Beverages with no added sugars are the best choice. These include water and unsweetened, fat-free or low-fat milk. Low-lactose or lactose-free milk and unsweetened, fortified soy beverages are also healthy choices.

Once children are 12 months or older, they will eat more of the foods that you eat. Healthy eating patterns set a good example for your children. Healthy eating patterns focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat or fat-free dairy. It's also important to limit foods that are high in sodium and added sugars.

Unsweetened beverages are the best choice for adults too. See how to Rethink Your Drink. Also, MyPlate can help you choose healthy foods and drinks for your family.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/features/good-nutrition-starts-early.html

A real story

Tiffany R. learned early in life that cigarettes cause premature death and disease: her mother died of smoking-related lung cancer when Tiffany was just 16.

Tiffany, a participant in CDC's Tips From Former Smokers® (Tips) ad campaign, said that she felt alone and afraid during her mother's illness. "And I felt it could have been prevented," she said. Even so, Tiffany herself wasn't able to quit smoking for good until her own daughter turned 16.

"I didn't want my daughter to think, 'Wow, my mother loves cigarette smoking more than she cares about me,'" she said.

A new report by the U.S. Surgeon General provides the latest science on what helps people like Tiffany quit smoking for good—and why quitting is so important. One of the most important actions people can take to improve their health is to quit smoking, no matter how old they are or how long they've been smoking.

Proven ways to quit

Cigarette smoking is still the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States, killing almost half a million Americans every year. Smoking-related disease costs the nation more than $300 billion every year, and as Tiffany knows, hurts families as well. Luckily, the report highlights ways to quit that are backed up by science.

Counseling and medication are each effective by themselves, but when used together, they can more than double your chance of successfully quitting. There are many safe, proven medications—including five kinds of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and two non-NRT prescription medicines. Evidence in the report shows that combining long-acting NRT such as nicotine patches with short-acting NRT such as nicotine gum or lozenges can also raise your chances of quitting.

Nearly 70% of people who smoke cigarettes want to quit. Tiffany had tried before, each time learning something new about herself. However, when she finally succeeded in quitting, she did it by following the directions included with her nicotine patches, making sure to use them the right way.

Stronger science, same advice

This report is the first Surgeon General's report since 1990 to focus solely on the health benefits of quitting smoking.

Much more research is available about those benefits since the last Surgeon General's report on quitting. The fact remains that if you smoke, quitting smoking entirely is still the best way to improve your current and future health:

• It can increase your life expectancy up to 10 years and make it easier to enjoy life.
• The risk for some smoking-related illnesses—including heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—goes down after you quit.
• Quitting also lowers risk of 12 types of cancer over time, including cancers of the lung, larynx (voice box), mouth and throat, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, stomach, colon and rectum, liver, cervix, and kidney, plus a type of blood cancer called acute myeloid leukemia. The report also suggests that cancer survivors can reduce their risk of dying from cancer by quitting smoking.
• If you already have coronary heart disease, quitting can lower your risk of dying from it, getting a new type of heart disease, or having the disease come back.
• Quitting smoking can also lower or delay loss of lung function and slows down the progress of COPD.

The report makes it clear that pregnant women who quit smoking not only improve their own health, but also their newborns'. Cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke exposure make it more likely that women will have serious medical issues during pregnancy. Babies born to mothers who smoke are more likely to have lower birth weight and to die in the first year of life. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby is to quit smoking.

Everyone can help improve health

Everyone, including employers and health care workers, can support people in quitting. Some strategies that the report shows motivate people to quit include:

• Employers offering insurance that covers quit-smoking treatment and putting in place smokefree workplace policies.
• Smokefree policies in restaurants and bars.
• Hard-hitting mass media campaigns.
• State or federal governments raising cigarette prices.
• Requiring visual warnings on cigarette packages showing smoking-related disease.
• Funding sustainable state tobacco control programs.

Counseling and treatment from health care professionals such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists also can also help people quit. Even though more doctors are talking to their patients about quitting smoking, only about 60% of adults who smoke get quitting advice from health care professionals.

Finally, if you have a friend or loved one who wants to quit, you can help, too. Encourage them to talk to their doctor and direct them toward resources that can keep them on track in their quit journey.

Whether you want to quit smoking or want to help someone quit, you can find more resources today than ever before. You can find counseling in person or by phone. You can get most forms of NRT over the counter, though you might need a prescription to get insurance coverage. Your doctor can prescribe other medications that help lower your desire to smoke and fight cravings. 

You can also get help by calling a quitline. Quitlines are a free, convenient, and confidential source of support and information. There are smartphone apps and texting programs you can use to track your progress and carry support wherever you go.

Quitting smoking is not easy, but it is possible, especially with proven, safe treatments.

Tiffany found her reason to start her journey to better health right in her own family. Wherever you find yours, let it guide you to all the available resources for quitting, and toward a healthier future.

Telephone

Smartphone apps and text

Web

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/tobacco-features/surgeon-generals-report.html

Good Nutrition Starts Early

About Measles

KEY POINTS

• Measles is very contagious and can be serious.
• Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk.
• Two doses of MMR vaccine provide the best protection against measles.

Some people think of measles as just a little rash and fever that clear up in a few days. But measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old.

Measles is highly contagious. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected.

The best protection against measles is measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles.

Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include:

Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years of age. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk. 

Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000. However, measles is still common in many parts of the world. Every year, measles is brought into the United States by unvaccinated travelers who get measles while they are in other countries. These travelers are mostly Americans and sometimes international visitors.

Some people are a higher risk of experiencing severe complications from measles.

Measles is very contagious. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. This can happen even up to 2 hours after that person has left.

Protect yourself with the vaccine. The best way to protect against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR is safe and effective. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective. 

Prevent measles and talk to your healthcare provider about the MMR vaccine, especially if planning to travel.

Preparing for a Winter Storm

Be prepared for winter weather

During extremely cold weather or winter storms, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, power failures, loss of communication services, and icy roads. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, you should know how to prepare your home and your car before a winter storm hits.

Be prepared before a winter storm hits by planning ahead. If you are in an area prone to winter weather, be sure to create a communication and disaster plan for your family ahead of time.

Get your home ready

Download Infographic PDF: English | Español

If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year. Ask your local fire department to recommend an inspector or find one online.

If you or a loved one are over 65 years old, place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently. Our ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with age. Older adults are more susceptible to health problems caused by cold. Check the temperature of your home often during the winter months.

Get your car ready

Download Infographic

Have maintenance service on your vehicle as often as the manufacturer recommends. In addition, every fall, do the following:

It is best to avoid traveling, but if travel is necessary, keep the following in your car:

Listen to weather forecasts regularly and check your emergency supplies, including your emergency food and water supply, whenever you are expecting a winter storm or extreme cold. Even though we can't always predict extreme cold in advance, weather forecasts can sometimes give you several days of notice to prepare.

If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they have access to unfrozen water.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/winter-weather/safety/index.html

Flu: What To Do If You Get Sick

Essential Steps to Take When You Get Sick

If you have flu symptoms and are in a group at higher risk of serious flu-related complications, or if you are very sick or worried about your illness, contact your health care provider.

Certain people are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications (including young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions). If you are in a group at higher risk and develop flu symptoms, contact your doctor early in your illness. Remind them about your higher-risk status for flu. CDC recommends that people at higher risk for serious flu-related complications should get antiviral treatment as early as possible, because benefit is greatest if treatment is started within 2 days after illness onset.

How to Prevent Norovirus

You can find norovirus in your vomit or feces (poop) even before you start feeling sick. 

The virus can also stay in your poop for 2 weeks or more after you feel better. You can still spread norovirus during that time.

Do not prepare, handle food, or care for others. Wait at least 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop. This is important if you work in a restaurant, school, daycare, long-term care facility, or other places where you may expose people to norovirus.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:

Before preparing and eating your food:

After someone vomits or has diarrhea:

Immediately remove and wash clothes or linens that may have vomit or poop on them.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/prevention/index.html

Handwashing Facts

Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water. CDC recommends cleaning hands in a specific way to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. The recommendations for effective handwashing and use of hand sanitizer was developed based on data from a number of studies. Learn more about the science behind how to wash your hands and why clean hands help keep you stay healthy.

Key facts

People often get sick when they make contact with germs from feces (poop) on their hands

Feces (poop) from people or animals is an important source of germs like Salmonella, E. coli O157, and norovirus that cause diarrhea, and it can spread some respiratory infections like adenovirus and hand-foot-mouth disease. These kinds of germs can get onto hands after people use the toilet or change a diaper, but also in less obvious ways, like after handling raw meats that have invisible amounts of animal poop on them. A single gram of human feces—which is about the weight of a paper clip—can contain one trillion germs. Germs can also get onto hands if people touch any object that has germs on it because someone coughed or sneezed on it or was touched by some other contaminated object. When these germs get onto hands and are not washed off, they can be passed from person to person and make people sick.

Washing hands prevents illnesses and spread of infections to others

Handwashing with soap removes germs from hands. This helps prevent infections because:

• People frequently touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without even realizing it. Germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose and mouth and make us sick.
• Germs from unwashed hands can get into foods and drinks while people prepare or consume them. Germs can multiply in some types of foods or drinks, under certain conditions, and make people sick.
• Germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to other objects, like handrails, tabletops, or toys, and then transferred to another person's hands.

Teaching people about handwashing helps them and their communities stay healthy. Handwashing education in the community:

• Reduces the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by 23-40%
• Reduces diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune systems by 58%
• Reduces respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16-21%
• Reduces absenteeism due to gastrointestinal illness in schoolchildren by 29-57%

Not washing hands harms children around the world

About 1.8 million children under the age of 5 die each year from diarrheal diseases and pneumonia, the top two killers of young children around the world.

• Handwashing with soap could protect about 1 out of every 3 young children who get sick with diarrhea, and almost 1 out of 5 young children with respiratory infections like pneumonia.
• Although people around the world clean their hands with water, very few use soap to wash their hands. Washing hands with soap removes germs much more effectively.
• Handwashing education and access to soap in schools can help improve attendance.
• Good handwashing early in life may help improve child development in some settings.
• Estimated global rates of handwashing after using the toilet are only 19%.

Handwashing helps battle the rise in antibiotic resistance

Preventing sickness reduces the amount of antibiotics people use and the likelihood that antibiotic resistance will develop. Handwashing can prevent about 30% of diarrhea-related sicknesses and about 20% of respiratory infections (e.g., colds). Antibiotics often are prescribed unnecessarily for these health issues. Reducing the number of these infections by washing hands frequently helps prevent the overuse of antibiotics—the single most important factor leading to antibiotic resistance around the world. Handwashing can also prevent people from getting sick with germs that are already resistant to antibiotics and that can be difficult to treat.

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap

Why? Because hands could become re-contaminated if placed in a basin of standing water that has been contaminated through previous use, clean running water should be used. However, washing with non-potable water when necessary may still improve health. The temperature of the water does not appear to affect germ removal; however, warmer water may cause more skin irritation and is more environmentally costly.

Turning off the faucet after wetting hands saves water, and there are few data to prove whether significant numbers of germs are transferred between hands and the faucet.

Using soap to wash hands is more effective than using water alone because the surfactants in soap lift soil and microbes from skin, and people tend to scrub hands more thoroughly when using soap, which further removes germs.

To date, studies have shown that there is no added health benefit for consumers (this does not include professionals in the healthcare setting) using soaps containing antibacterial ingredients compared with using plain soap. As a result, FDA issued a final rule in September 2016 that 19 ingredients in common "antibacterial" soaps, including triclosan, were no more effective than non-antibacterial soap and water and thus these products are no longer able to be marketed to the general public. This rule does not affect hand sanitizers, wipes, or antibacterial products used in healthcare settings.

Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Why? Lathering and scrubbing hands creates friction, which helps lift dirt, grease, and microbes from skin. Microbes are present on all surfaces of the hand, often in particularly high concentration under the nails, so the entire hand should be scrubbed.

Scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds removes more germs from hands than washing for shorter periods

Why? Determining the optimal length of time for handwashing is difficult because few studies about the health impacts of altering handwashing times have been done. Of those that exist, nearly all have measured reductions in overall numbers of microbes, only a small proportion of which can cause illness, and have not measured impacts on health. Solely reducing numbers of microbes on hands is not necessarily linked to better health. The optimal length of time for handwashing is also likely to depend on many factors, including the type and amount of soil on the hands and the setting of the person washing hands. For example, surgeons are likely to come into contact with disease-causing germs and risk spreading serious infections to vulnerable patients, so they may need to wash hands longer than someone preparing their own lunch at home. Nonetheless, evidence suggests that washing hands for about 15-30 seconds removes more germs from hands than washing for shorter periods.

Accordingly, many countries and global organizations have adopted recommendations to wash hands for about 20 seconds (some recommend an additional 20-30 seconds for drying):

• The Benefits of Hand Washing
• New Zealand. Step-by-Step Guide to Hand Washing
• The Global Handwashing Partnership. Why Handwashing?
• World Health Organization. Guidelines on Hygiene in Health Care: A Summary

Rinsing your hands well under clean, running water helps remove soap

Why? Soap and friction help lift dirt, grease, and microbes—including disease-causing germs—from skin so they can then be rinsed off of hands. Rinsing the soap away also minimizes skin irritation. Because hands could become re-contaminated if rinsed in a basin of standing water that has been contaminated through previous use, clean running water should be used. While some recommendations include using a paper towel to turn off the faucet after hands have been rinsed, this practice leads to increased use of water and paper towels, and there are no studies to show that it improves health.

Your hands should be as dry as possible after handwashing

Why? Germs can be transferred more easily to and from wet hands; therefore, hands should be dried after washing. However, the best way to dry hands remains unclear because few studies about hand drying exist, and the results of these studies conflict. Additionally, most of these studies compare overall concentrations of microbes, not just disease-causing germs, on hands following different hand-drying methods. Nonetheless, studies suggest that using a clean towel or air-drying hands are best.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/data-research/facts-stats/

Preventing Seasonal Flu

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with influenza virus and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Visit CDC's website to find out what to do if you get sick with flu. Learn about some of the similarities and differences between flu and COVID-19, and the difference between flu and the common cold.

There are prescription medications called “flu antiviral drugs” that can be used to treat flu illness.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/index.html

Preventing Mosquito Bites

Protect yourself and your family

Mosquitoes bite day and night. They spread germs through bites that can make you sick. Prevent illness by protecting yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

Use insect repellent

Use EPA-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

• DEET
• Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the United States)
• IR3535
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)—A plant-derived ingredient
• Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone—A plant-derived ingredient

Tips for babies and children

• Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs.
• Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.

When using insect repellent on your child

• Always follow label instructions.
• Do not use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old.
• Do not apply repellent to a child's hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin.
• Adults: Apply repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child's face.

Tips for everyone

• Always follow the product label instructions.
• Reapply repellent as directed.
• Do not apply repellent on the skin under clothing.
• If you are using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.

Wear protective clothing

• Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin.
  • Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes.
  • Permethrin-treated clothing provides protection after multiple washings.
  • Do not use permethrin products directly on skin.

Control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors

• Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors.
• Use air conditioning, if available.
• Stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water.
  • Check for water-holding containers both indoors and outdoors.
  • Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers.

About natural repellents

• We do not know the effectiveness of non-EPA registered insect repellents, including some natural repellents.
• To protect yourself against germs spread by mosquitoes, CDC and EPA recommend using an EPA-registered insect repellent.
• Choosing an EPA-registered insect repellent ensures the EPA has evaluated the product for effectiveness.
• Visit the EPA website to learn more.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/prevention/index.html

Healthy Habits: Antibiotic Do's and Don'ts

Take antibiotics ONLY when you need them

Antibiotics ONLY treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as:

• Strep throat
• Whooping cough
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Some infections caused by bacteria can still get better without antibiotics. You DO NOT need antibiotics for some common bacterial infections, including many sinus infections and some ear infections.

Antibiotics DO NOT work on viruses.

Viruses are germs different from bacteria. Antibiotics do not treat infections caused by viruses such as those that cause:

• Colds and runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow or green
• Most sore throats (except strep throat)
• Flu
• Most cases of chest colds (bronchitis)

Antibiotics will NOT make you feel better if you have a virus.

Taking antibiotics when you do not need them will not help you, and their side effects can still cause harm. Talk to a healthcare professional about the best treatment for you when you are sick. Never pressure a healthcare professional to prescribe an antibiotic.

If antibiotics are the best treatment when you're sick:

For any expired or unused medications: 

Talk to a pharmacist about safely discarding leftover medicines. See helpful tips on how to safely throw away unused medications.

If a healthcare professional determines that you need antibiotics, the benefits usually outweigh the risks of side effects and antimicrobial resistance. Common side effects of antibiotics range from minor to very severe health problems and can include:

More serious side effects can include:

Call a healthcare professional if you or your child develop any side effects while taking an antibiotic. 

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/about/index.html

Extreme Heat and Your Health

What is extreme heat?

Extreme heat is defined as summertime temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average. Because some places are hotter than others, this depends on what’s considered average for a particular location at that time of year. Humid and muggy conditions can make it seem hotter than it really is.

 

Health effects

Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person's body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.

Who is at increased risk

Older adults, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk. However, even young and healthy people can be affected if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.

Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be balanced with actions that help the body cool itself to prevent heat-related illness. Use this website to learn more on how to stay safe in the heat this summer, including how to prevent, recognize, and cope with heat-related illness.

Tips to stay safe

Protect yourself and others when it's hot outside by staying cool, staying hydrated, and staying informed. Learn additional tips for staying safe during extreme heat.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/about/index.html

Let’s Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury

About 190 Americans die from TBI-related injuries each day. 

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by

TBI is a major cause of death and disability in the United States, contributing to about 30% of all injury deaths. Those who survive TBI can face effects lasting a few days to disabilities that last the rest of their lives.

Effects of TBI can include:

These issues can affect individuals and have lasting effects on families and communities.

The leading causes of nonfatal TBI include:

The leading causes of TBI that lead to death are suicide and falls.

Preventing older adult falls, improving safe play in sports, and increasing motor vehicle safety can reduce TBI. Public health approaches to injury prevention can reduce the rate of TBI and its long-term consequences.

Falls are the most common cause of TBI. Older adults are most at risk, specifically those who are 75 years of age and older.

Learn more about older adult fall prevention.

Risk of death from unintentional injury doubles following a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury.

Improving Sports Safety

CDC has an educational gaming app designed to teach children 6-8 years old about basic concussion safety. Children can learn the benefits of playing it safe and smart through a futuristic world of galactic racing adventures. The app teaches children about the different ways the brain can get hurt during sports activities and how important it is to tell a coach, parent, or other adult when an injury occurs. Learn more about this free app!

We know that prevention is possible. You can help by creating a culture of concussion safety on your team or in your community.

Here’s how:

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of TBI-related deaths for youth and young adults.

Everyone can improve motor vehicle safety by:

Learn more about all of these tips on the Transportation Safety website.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/traumatic-brain-injury/index.html

World TB Day 2024

Each year on March 24, CDC joins the global community to observe World Tuberculosis (TB) Day – an important moment to reaffirm our commitment to end TB.

TB remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide, devastating entire nations and countless lives. Every day, 3,500 people across the world die preventable deaths from TB. If left undiagnosed and untreated, people living with TB can unknowingly spread the disease to others. People who are not treated for TB can potentially infect 10-15 more people each year. The threat of TB anywhere is a threat everywhere. 

The theme for this year’s observance, “Yes! We Can End TB,” highlights the determination and enthusiasm of global partners as we continue working together to end the global TB epidemic. CDC is on the frontlines in 42 high-burden TB countries– partnering with ministries of health to sustain efforts to prevent, diagnose, and treat this disease. On World TB Day, and every day, CDC joins our global partners in creating a healthier and more equitable world free from TB.

A message from the Director of the Division of Global HIV & TB, Hank Tomlinson, Ph.D.

On this World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, we are reminded of our collective progress in addressing TB worldwide and the challenges that remain. In our global activities, we at CDC are working side-by-side with ministries of health to implement new diagnostics that improve the quality of laboratory networks, strengthen surveillance systems to interrupt transmission of TB, and address the unique challenges faced by populations at increased risk for TB. To end this epidemic, the global community must continue to work together on multiple fronts, including equitable access to quality care and to stop suffering from TB infection in the US and around the world.

CDC recognizes global organizations, individuals, and initiatives that have made significant contributions to ending TB. Click on the drop-down links below for more information on their unique contributions toward eliminating TB. 

New Report on TB Preventive Treatment 

CDC and our partners are spearheading efforts to expand TB preventive treatment – a proven intervention for those with HIV. Results from a recent report show that more than 13 million people living with HIV have completed the treatment from 2016 to 2023 across 36 countries supported by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Since 2017, CDC has supported over 60 percent of these individuals and over 410,000 children living with HIV in completing this lifesaving treatment.

The report also shows that with PEPFAR support, programs achieved TB preventive treatment completion rates of up to 87 percent, and people living with HIV who newly initiated treatment increased by over 40 percent.

Thanks to efforts from PEPFAR, CDC, and partners, TB preventive treatment has become the standard of care for people living with HIV. Learn more about our impact and considerations for programs going forward.

Learn more

New Commentary on TB and Mental Health 

Paulina Siniatkina, a visual artist and TB survivor, was instructed never to talk about her diagnosis with anyone. Instead, she turned her treatment isolation into art to shine a spotlight on a silent driver of the global TB epidemic – mental health.

As spotlighted in the cover article of this month’s Emerging Infectious Diseases, TB is a chronic multisystem infectious disease and causes a well-documented and often life-changing, reduced quality of life. Coupled with multi-month treatment that may require extended periods in isolation, it is not surprising an estimated 40-70 percent of persons treated for TB experience clinical anxiety or depression.

In recent years, mental health has become globally recognized as a part of universal healthcare, making this an opportune moment for the global community to integrate mental health services into routine care. A new commentary in Emerging Infectious Diseases may help serve as a framework to support mental health programming as a part of PEPFAR’s current five-year strategic plan.

Learn more

Lower Your Risk for the Number 1 Killer of Women

Learn about heart disease and women and what you can do to keep a healthy heart.

The term heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease and heart attack.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, killing 310,661 women in 2021—or about 1 in every 5 female deaths.1 Despite this, only about half (56%) of women recognize that heart disease is their number 1 killer.2

Sometimes heart disease may be “silent” and not diagnosed until you have other symptoms or emergencies, including:

To lower your chances of getting heart disease, it’s important to:

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/heartdisease/index.html

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/symptoms.html

Food Poisoning Symptoms

You can get sick with food poisoning after swallowing certain germs, like Salmonella or E. coli. Your symptoms may vary, depending on the germ you swallowed. Symptoms can range from mild to serious and can last for a few hours or several days.

The most common symptoms of food poisoning are:

If you have diarrhea or vomiting, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration (not having enough water in your body).

See a doctor if you have any symptoms that are severe, including:

See your doctor if you are pregnant and have a fever and other flu-like symptoms. Some mild infections can cause problems with pregnancy.

Download poster [PDF – 1 page]

Most people have mild illnesses, but some infections spread by food are serious or even life-threatening. Some people may need to be hospitalized, and some illnesses lead to other health problems, including:

For some people, these health problems can last for weeks or months after recovering from the foodborne illness. For others, they never go away.

Some germs make you sick within a few hours after you swallow them. Others may take a few days to make you sick. This table provides details about the symptoms caused by different germs, when they usually start, and common sources for those germs. Search the table for symptoms you are having.

How to Start Drinking Less

Ready to drink less, but don’t know where to start?

Find What Works

Small changes can make a big difference. Whatever strategies you choose, give them a chance. If one approach doesn’t work, try something else.

Adults of legal drinking age can choose not to drink or to drink in moderation by limiting intake to 2 drinks or less in a day for men and 1 drink or less in a day for women. For those who drink alcohol and want to cut back on your drinking, these four strategies can help: 

Note: Not drinking at all may be the best option for some people, including people who are pregnant or might be pregnant, those taking certain drugs or medications, or people who are recovering from an alcohol use disorder or cannot control their alcohol intake.

Pneumonia Can Be Prevented—Immunizations Can Help

Pneumonia, an infection of the lungs, needlessly affects millions of people worldwide each year.

Pneumonia can often be prevented and can usually be treated.

Lower your risk of pneumonia with immunizations and other healthy living practices.

Most of the people affected by pneumonia in the United States are adults. CDC data show more than 47,000 people died from pneumonia in the United States during 2020. Immunizations and appropriate treatment (like antibiotics and antivirals) could prevent many of these deaths.

Lower your risk by getting immunized

In the United States, immunizations can help prevent infection by some of the bacteria and viruses that can cause pneumonia. Learn more about who is recommended each of these immunizations:

These immunizations are safe, but side effects can occur. Most side effects are mild and go away on their own within a few days.

See the vaccine information statements to learn more about common side effects of specific vaccines. See the immunization information statement to learn more about common side effects of RSV preventive antibody immunization.

Encourage friends and loved ones to make sure they are up to date with their immunizations.

Protect your health with these healthy living practices

Avoid people who are sick. If you are sick, stay away from others as much as possible to keep from getting them sick.

You can also help prevent respiratory infections by:

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/prevention.html