Helpful Hints for preventing the Cold and Flu

How to avoid getting a cold or the flu:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

• Get a flu vaccine if your doctor recommends it. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal influenza.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs can spread this way.
• Avoid sick people.  Try to stay at least 6 feet away from someone who is sick.  If you do come in contact with someone who is sick, wash your hands to avoid the spread of germs.
• Disinfect/sanitize children’s toys and hard surfaces in your home, office or dorm room. Focus on “hot spot” surfaces such as door handles, light switches and telephones.
• Parents: Send hand sanitizers and disinfecting wipes to school with your children, if school policy permits.
• College students: Keep your dorm room clean and hard surfaces disinfected/sanitized.  Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your back pack so you can sanitize your hands throughout the day.

If you get sick:

• Stay home or in your dorm room and keep away from others, avoid travel, for at least 24 hours after fever is gone.
• See your doctor if you think you have the flu (fever plus at least cough or sore throat and possibly other symptoms like runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea). 
• Get enough sleep and drink plenty of fluids. Sleep helps strengthen your immune system and fluids will help to make you feel better.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing then throw the tissue away.  If a tissue in not available sneeze or cough into your elbow to avoid spreading germs with your hands.

References:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35873

Cold and Flu Myths and Facts
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35869