Ways to Prevent Getting the Flu

There is a lot of news and concern about the current H1N1 (“swine”) flu outbreak.  This is a good reason to review – and be sure to implement – some simple precautions to avoid the spread of illness, including the flu virus.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the spread of respiratory illness, such as influenza, is often caused by coughing, sneezing and unclean hands. To reduce the spread of germs, it’s important to follow these simple recommendations:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Put your used tissues in a waste basket.
• Clean hands after coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
  

While currently the H1N1 flu is top of mind, remember that these healthy precautions should be practiced at all times.

If you are having symptoms that concern you, please contact your physician.

Click here to view an informative pdf about H1N1 Flu

For more information about the H1N1 flu, visit the CDC website:

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/