Prepare now for flu season with common sense steps
Eat a balanced diet.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Get enough rest and sleep.
Take these common sense steps to stop the spread of germs: Wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid or minimize contact with people who are sick (a minimum three feet of distancing is recommended).
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Cover your mouth and nose with tissues when you cough and sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
Stay away from others as much as possible when you are sick.
Anyone with a fever or other symptoms of the flu should stay home from work or school until at least 24 hours after the fever has gone (without medications.)
Get a flu shot every year. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to minimize illness and death. Two shots will be needed for the 2009 flu season, one for seasonal flu and one for H1N1 flu.
The flu usually begins with the rapid onset of a high fever and body aches. Be aware of other common flu symptoms: Headache; extreme tiredness, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, vomiting and/or diarrhea (this is more common in children than in adults.)
Having these symptoms doesn’t always mean you have the flu. Many different illnesses have similar symptoms.
When diagnosing the flu, it may be difficult to tell if you are suffering from the flu or another illness. Your health care provider may be able to tell you if you have the flu.
If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about possible complications, consult your health care provider.
Potential risks and complications of the flu include: bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, worsening of chronic medical conditions, ear infections and sinus problems.
To keep germs from spreading, designate one person as the caregiver. Keep everyone’s personal items separate: All household members should avoid sharing pens, papers, clothes, towels, sheets, blankets, food or eating utensils unless they are cleaned before uses.
Disinfect doorknobs, switches, handles, computers, telephones, toys and other surfaces that are commonly touched around the home or workplace.
Wash everyone’s dishes in the dishwasher or by hand using very hot water and soap.
Wash everyone’s clothes in a standard washing machine as you normally would.
Use detergent and very hot water and wash your hands after handling dirty laundry.