We are in the midst of flu season and aside from getting the flu vaccine, which is the single best way to protect against the flu, there are some very basic preventative measures everyone should take in order to help prevent the flu from spreading:
*Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
*If you do get sick, limit your contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. If you, or your child, get sick with flu-like illness, staying home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone, without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, is important to help prevent spreading the flu to others.
*Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash or sanitize your hands. If you do not have a tissue, sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
*Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand rub or wipe. Keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick and spreading illnesses such as the flu.
*Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs are spread that way.
Encouraging your children to eat healthy, drink plenty of fluids, and get lots of sleep may not prevent them from getting the flu but it’s a great foundation that will hopefully ward off those flu germs!
Wishing everyone a healthy rest of the school year!
If you would like more information regarding Influenza (flu) please visit: www.cdc.gov or www.flu.gov .
Article by Dagmar Paul, RN, MSN/District Nurse
