08/18/2009

How Not to Catch the H1N1 Flu Bug

It’s hard not to get swept up in the panic, especially the with the twenty-four hour news reporting every pothole and presidential sneeze. Back in April, when they details about the H1N1 virus began to come out, one would have thought that government was going to suggest duct tape and plastic sheeting again. Remember that snafu?

Over 1 million people have gotten the H1N1 virus between April and June according to estimations by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the good news is that most recovered without medical treatment.

The virus is spread by sneezing, coughing or by touching a surface or object that has been exposed to the virus. The H1N1 virus can live on a surface for up to eight hours.

The symptoms for this flu are like the symptoms for seasonal flu. There is usually a high fever (above 101), sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, body aches, chills, fatigue. With this flu folks are also reporting vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Yes a nasty bug isn’t it? According to the CDC here’s how NOT to catch it.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• 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 hand cleaners* are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Other important actions that you can take are:

• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs*, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

Be prepared and stay healthy!

How to tell the difference between H1N1 flu and the common cold

French Kissing outlawed in fear of H1N1

- Aunt B