Tips to Stop the Spread of the Flu by Practicing Good Habits
(ELGIN, IL - September 1, 2009) With the return of Judson's students to the classrooms, the Communications Office will periodically communicate news from the Kane County Health Department. A recent release from the Health Department provides several helpful practices that would serve our university and campus visitors well regarding the prevention of seasonal flu.
According to the release, here's what you can do to stay healthy:
- Stay informed. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
The Illinois Department of Health has two hotlines available to answer questions about the H1N1 virus: (866) 848-2094 for English, and (866) 241-2138 for Spanish. More flu information is available that Health Department’s Web site at www.kanehealth.com, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.flu.gov. You can also follow the Kane County Health Department on Twitter at KaneCoHealth.