You can lower your risk of respiratory infections with these steps:

• Keep your hands clean. Wash your hands often. If you can’t wash, use hand sanitizer that has alcohol. Use it after touching doorknobs, handles, keypads, and anything else other people have touched. Then wash your hands as soon as you can.

• Wash well. When you wash your hands, use soap and warm water. Rub your hands together well for at least 20 seconds. Rinse them well. Dry your hands on clean towels or let them air-dry.

• Don’t touch your face. If your hands aren’t clean, keep them away from your nose and mouth. Germs on your hands can get into your respiratory system this way.

• Get a flu vaccine every year. To help prevent the flu, get a flu shot every year. You may be able to get it at your healthcare provider's office, a drugstore, pharmacy, or at work. Get your flu shot as soon as the vaccines are available in your area. This is often around September each year.

• Get a pneumonia vaccine. The vaccine can help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia. Talk with your healthcare provider about which vaccine you need, the number of doses, and when you should have them.

• Avoid sick people. Try to stay away from people with colds or the flu. Stay away from crowded places during cold and flu season. This may include shopping centers, movie theaters, and social events.

• Quit smoking. If you smoke, talk with your healthcare provider about getting help to quit. Smoking can make your lung disease worse. And it increases your risk of infections. Also stay away from other people's smoke. This is called secondhand smoke. It is also harmful and increases your chance of infections.