How to avoid the flu when your partner or roommate gets sick: 9 simple tips by Hilary Brueck on Feb 22, 2018, 2:12 PM Advertisement
 - Just because your spouse has the flu doesn't mean you'll inevitably get sick.
- It's hard to contain germs if you're sharing an enclosed space, but wearing a mask or staying at least six feet away from your sick loved one for a few days can help.
- To keep yourself healthy, manage your stress, keep everything clean, and get lots of rest.
When the flu hits home and your partner or roommate becomes a flu-shedding germ-bag, many people resign themselves to getting sick.
Although flu viruses are extremely contagious and tough to contain, there are a few simple ways you can reduce your risk of getting hit — even while caring for an ill friend or loved one. We've rounded up some of the easiest things you can do to prevent yourself from catching a case of the flu at home. Here are nine ways to minimize your risk. SEE ALSO: The deadly flu epidemic sweeping the US is still spreading — here's everything you need to know If you've gotten your shot, you'll be in better flu-fighting shape.  The flu vaccine may not be as effective as usual this year, but that doesn't mean it's not worth getting. In addition to preventing more than one in three cases of the flu, it can also boost your immunity and make your case of the flu a milder one if you do get it. Flu season can last into May, so if you haven't gotten your shot yet, and you don't feel sick right now, it's not too late.
Be especially cautious for the first two to three days, and stay six feet away from the germy person during that time.  People are much more likely to get infected with the flu from being around other sick people than they are from touching virus-laden surfaces. Person-to-person transmission of the flu can happen when an infected person is talking, coughing, sneezing, or even just breathing near someone else. The virus can be transmitted through the air to anyone within six feet, so the easiest way to avoid getting sick is to keep your distance. A 2008 study in Hong Kong found that most “viral shedding” – when you’re really passing the germs around – happens in the first two or three days after a person gets sick with the flu. Day 2 tends to be the worst, but that can vary. Once a person has been fever-free without the help of drugs for a full 24 hours, that's an indicator that they're ready to re-enter the world, and won't share their flu with you, either.
Consider wearing some protection.  If you live in a crowded household, it's best to assign a single person to care for the sicko and keep everyone else far away. The care-giver may want to wear a mask and disposable gloves when they visit their "patient" to avoid breathing in or picking up any flu particles. The virus lasts for about 15 minutes inside of a tissue, and on hard surfaces for a full day.
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