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Stopping the spread of the swine flu one person at a time
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Cover your cough by either sneezeing into your elbow or into a
tissue (then bin it) tand wash you hands to help prevent
the swine flu from spreading (CDC)
The flu season has come early this year and so far, most of them are being confirmed as swine (H1N1) flu cases which are spreading in amazing numbers.
While nothing will guarantee your family won’t come down with the flu, we all need to take the responsibility to lower our own risk.
According to the CDC, getting a flu vaccination is the single best way to help prevent influenza. You can get both the yearly swine flu shot and the H1N1 flu vaccination (in separate arms) the same day. Meanwhile, we must all use common sense and as parents we need to enforce our family to follow these three easy steps:
Wash Hands Often
Frequent hand washing not only keeps a lot of germs out of our bodies: it keeps out the influenza virus. Make sure everyone washes their hands often and thoroughly, with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Keep hand sanitizer available to use throughout the day and make sure every family uses it after touching doorknobs, elevator buttons, keyboards, handling money etc.
Use the Elbow Cough
Teach your family (and continually remind children) to cough into their elbows instead of into their hands. When a person coughs into their hands, they risk spreading the flu viruses (and bacteria) through touch.
It is important to remember that others might still be coughing into their hands and therefore, everyone still needs to be diligent about their own hand washing!
Stay Home When Not Feeling Well
Should you become infected, stay home. By going out, you are only spreading the virus to others!
While home, try to get as much rest as possible. If nausea is a problem, try the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce or toast: a fever reducer may be needed as well.
And while it is always wise to keep ill family members home, there may be a short period where it is wise for the whole family to do so. If a flu pandemic were to hit your area it is crucial to that your family be prepared .Take these simple steps NOW to make sure you are fully prepared should your area (and family) be affected.
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