What can I do to protect my baby?

Take everyday precautions such as washing your hands with plain soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub before feeding your baby. More tips on good health habits for preventing sickness from the flu virus can be found at this website: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm. In addition, try not to cough or sneeze in the baby’s face while feeding your baby, or any other time you and your baby are close. If possible, only family members who are not sick should care for infants. If you are sick and there is no one else to care for your baby, wear a facemask, if available and tolerable, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. For more information, see the Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use.