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Quick tips on preventing the flu
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Posted on May 06 2009
In light of the recent news that has been sweeping the nation regarding the swine flu outbreak, the American Red Cross would like to encourage the public to practice these common sense steps to stop the spread of germs:
* Wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
* Avoid or minimize contact with sick people (a minimum three feet distancing is recommended).
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
* Cover your mouth and nose with tissues when you cough and sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
* Stay away from others as much as possible when you are sick.
* Adopt business/school practices that encourage employees/students to stay home when sick.
* Get a flu shot every year. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to minimize illness and death.
* Adopt business/school practices that encourage Employees/students to stay home when sick.
* Tips on what to do when someone in your household is sick:
* Designate one person as the caregiver.
* Keep everyone’s personal items separate. All household members should avoid sharing pens, papers, clothes, towels, sheets, blankets, food or eating utensils unless cleaned between uses.
* Disinfect doorknobs, switches, handles, computers, telephones, toys and other surfaces that are commonly touched around the home or workplace.
* Wash everyone’s dishes in the dishwasher or by hand using very hot water and soap.
* Wash everyone’s clothes in a standard washing machine as you normally would.
* Use detergent and very hot water and wash your hands after handling dirty laundry.
* Wear disposable gloves when in contact with or cleaning up body fluids.
For more information ABOUT the swine flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov. For other disaster and emergency preparedness tips, visit the American Red Cross website at www.RedCross.org. [B][I](ARC)[/I][/B]
