As students, faculty and staff return to campus, there are more opportunities for spreading germs and becoming ill. Take these general precautions to help avoid getting sick:

• Cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow or into a tissue that you throw away immediately.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based cleaners. Wash before eating and cooking, after toileting, and when you return home.

• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

• Invest in a digital thermometer. Fever can indicate the flu.

• Monitor your health closely. At the first sign of flu-like symptoms, visit your health care professional.