Flu Season Is Coming
As we head into flu season, we are facing not only seasonal influenza, but also the 2009 H1N1 swine flu virus, and each requires a separate vaccine.
The seasonal flu vaccine is already available, although shortages are being reported. The H1N1 vaccine began to be distributed across the nation in early October. More will be distributed in the coming weeks.
Here are steps you can take to stay healthy and to keep all influenza viruses from spreading in your community.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes. Germs spread this way.
- Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to cover coughs and sneezes. Dispose of tissues in no-touch trash cans.
- Keep frequently touched common surfaces clean. These include telephones, computer keyboards and door knobs. Clean a coworker’s phone or other equipment before and after using it.
- Stay home if you have such symptoms as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache and chills.
- Don’t return to work or school until the fever has subsided without the aid of medication for at least 24 hours.
- Eat healthy and get plenty of exercise and rest.
- Get vaccinated against the seasonal flu.
- Ask your doctor if you should get the H1N1 vaccine. First priority is being given to pregnant women, healthcare workers and those caring for infants younger than six months of age, children and young adults from ages 2 to 24, and adults with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma, obesity and diabetes.
To learn more about the flu strains and vaccines »
