Thursday, February 28, 2013

What You Can Do to Prevent the Flu

In addition to getting vaccinated, these healthy habits can help stop the spread of illnesses like the flu:

•    Stay home when you are sick.  If you have flu-like symptoms [pdf], please contact us. A staff member will give you instructions on what to do.  To help prevent the spread of infection, please do not come to Health Services without contacting us first.

•    Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

•    Clean your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.

•    Clean shared surfaces before and after each use.

If you do get sick, remember that if you have a cold or flu, antibiotics won’t work for you! The CDC reminds us that antibiotics cure bacterial infections, not viral infections. To feel better:
•    Rest
•    Drink plenty of fluids
•    Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer
•    Avoid smoking, second-hand smoke, and other pollutants
•    Use acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen for pain and fever

Promote flu prevention in your area with a bulletin board kit [pdf].  Just click, print and post!

Seasonal flu updates and information can be found at the CDC seasonal influenza website.