Flu Prevention
by Sarah Raynor
With all of the discussion about Swine Influenza, it is important to know key health habits that can help prevent the spread of germs.
1. Avoid Close Contact. If someone near you is sick, try to keep your distance from them. Also, if you are ill, keep your distance from others to help protect them.
2. Stay at home when you are sick. Please stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. Keep sick children at home. (Please see the handbook for suggestions of when to keep children home).
3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
4. Wash your hands often. Washing your hands and the hands of your children often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are often spread when a a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
7. Do not share food, drinks, or other items
If you are experiencing an illness with fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms such as body aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, you should contact your health provider. The health care provider will determine whether influenza testing is needed.
