Steps You Can Take to Stay Well
In addition to getting vaccinated against both seasonal and the novel H1N1 influenza, please take the following three common-sense steps to limit the spread of these illnesses in our community:
First, when you are ill, stay away from work, school, daycare, social gatherings and other activities that put you in close contact with others. Anyone who shows signs of the flu (a fever of 100.0 degrees F. or more plus a cough and/or sore throat) should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines such as Tylenol, Motrin or Advil (please note that this recommendation has changed since the first guidance published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which recommended staying home for seven days). Staying home and away from other people when you are ill with the flu is especially important in helping to reduce the number of other people who may get infected and perhaps develop serious complications.
Second, cover coughs and sneezes using the bend of your elbow, arm or sleeve instead of your hands. This will help to prevent infected droplets, which can travel up to six feet, from coming into contact with other people or with surfaces others might touch. If a tissue is used, be sure to dispose of it properly and wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer as soon afterward as possible.
Third, follow effective hand washing procedures. Bacteria and viruses that cause many illnesses can be transmitted easily through- Person to person contact, such as handshaking.
- Touching contaminated objects and environmental surfaces.
- Eating and drinking foods and beverages that have been contaminated during handling and preparation by unwashed hands that have picked up germs.
So, wash your hands thoroughly and often (and always after using the restroom or changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food). This means using soap and warm water – or an alcohol-based sanitizer - and washing for at least 20 seconds – about as long as it takes you to sing the “Alphabet Song” that we all learned as young children.
This should be followed by drying with a clean, disposable towel and using the towel to turn off the faucet to avoid re-contaminating your hands.
Following these steps will help people stay healthier and help prevent the spread of disease in our community.
