Protect Yourself Against the Flu: a few simple steps
Flu season is around the corner. A few simple, common-sense precautions
are still the
most important thing you can do to keep from getting the flu -
or spreading it to others. That
applies to both seasonal flu and novel H1N1 (swine) flu.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand when you cough
or sneeze.
- Clean your hands frequently and thoroughly - with soap and water or an alcohol-based
hand-sanitizer solution.
- Limit your contact with others who may be ill.
- Clean your hands after shaking hands or having other close contact with others, and
before eating or preparing food, or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Get the vaccine when it becomes available.
Be aware of the symptoms of H1N1 (swine flu), which are similar to those for seasonal flu:
- Fever (above 100 F)
- Cough
- Sore throat runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- In some cases diarrhea and vomiting
What should I do if I get sick?
If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, and
stuffy nose, you should:
- Call your healthcare provider to determine if you need to be evaluated. But take steps to
avoid exposing others to the flu. Ask if you need to actually see your provider in person.
Further steps can be taken to avoid exposing other patients to the flu.
- Stay home from work or school - and generally avoid going out in public if you are sick with the symptoms. Employers: encourage your employees to stay home if they are sick.
- If you have symptoms, stay home from work, school or other places where people gather
for seven days after flu symptoms appear or until 24 hours after your symptoms go
away - whichever is longer.
- Stock up on supplies if you are going to be housebound for a week. Have enough water,
juices, non-perishable food you don't have to cook. VERY IMPORTANT - have
enough medications ahead. One month's supply is always recommended for any
emergency situation. Always have the usual emergency supplies of flashlight, radio,
batteries.*
This notice is provided by the Ely Area Emergency Preparedness Working Group/Joint Powers.
More info is available from the
Minnesota Department of Health. It
changes and is updated. Also see www.ready.gov
for sheltering in place.
Additional Information
H1N1 Novel Influenza Facts |
Cover & Clean Poster |
CDC Action Steps |
Flu Prevention & Treatment
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