H1N1 Swine Flu Prevention

The fall and winter flu season is rapidly approaching and children and teens are going back to school so it is a good time to take some additional safety precautions for you school aged children, the high school and college bound teens and even for yourself. Several national and local news networks across the country have reported that a number of H1N1 (or Swine Flu) cases were confirmed in schools so it is even more important to maintain vigilance during the flu season. In conjunction with the CDC recommendations, several employers have clearly encouraged their employees to stay at home if they start to experience flu like symptoms and are working out arrangements for their employees to receive the flu vaccination.

With the increased concerns about the H1N1 virus that has been responsible for over 500 deaths in the United States this year, it is very important to be diligent as ever in prevention and treatment of the flu. Here is some additional information about the H1N1 virus and some simple steps that you can take to reduce your risk of exposure and contamination.

What are the symptoms of the H1N1 virus?

The symptoms of the H1N1 virus are the same as the seasonal influenza virus and can include fever, chills, body ache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, head congestion and a runny or stuffy nose.

How does the H1N1 virus spread?

Again, the spread of the H1N1 virus is the same as the seasonal influenza virus. Generally it is spread from person to person contamination via an infected person coughing or sneezing. It is also possible to become by touching a doorknob, countertop or other surface or object with the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

What preventative steps can be taken to help protect against the H1N1 virus?

• Avoid close contact with people that are infected or that are showing symptoms of the H1N1 virus.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as these are three easily accessible entry points for germs to gain entry into your body.

• As much as possible, avoid or limit your exposure to crowds like you would find in malls, sporting events, and movie theaters.

• Utilize hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes at school or in your office to help keep your hands and work surfaces clean.

• Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Immediately dispose of the tissue and then wash your hands using a disinfecting soap or hand wash.

• Cough or sneezed into the crook of your arm (opposite the elbow) instead of into your hands - this will help prevent contact contamination and help you avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth in the process.

• If you experience a flu-like illness, the CDC has recommended that you stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever has subsided. Try to limit your exposure to others if possible in an effort to avoid infecting them.

• Be vigilant to public health advice regarding school closures.

• In the event that you do start to experience flu like symptoms, be prepared by maintaining a week's supply of over the counter medicines, hand sanitizer, tissues and other related items on hand. This will help avoid making trips out in public while you are sick.

Finally, health officials seem to agree in their recommendation that small children and elderly people who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the virus should receive the vaccination and generally recommend that all people that are able to receive the vaccination do so. Some doctors are offering the vaccination to women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, however a full understanding of the potential side effects in this case have not been fully examined.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/