how do i stay healthy while caring for my wife while she has the flu?

Answer 1

I really do hate to say this, but it is awfully hard not to get infected when caring for a family member (so much close and direct contact). You can try to wash your hands with hot, soapy water for 15-20 seconds, but most influenzas are caught from the airborne transmission route. So from a medical standpoint you have really three options: (1) wear an N-95/ .01 micron respirator at all times, (2) just hope you have had this exact type of flu before or (3) prepare for the worst.