Rounded Rectangle: Swine Flu
What You Should Know to Stay Healthy
Rounded Rectangle: Lake Country Area Health Education Center

Connecting Students to Careers, Professionals to Communities and Communties to Better Health

 

Swine Flu, also called ‘swfH1N1 Virus,’ is on the for thought of the nation’s minds right now.  With the closing of schools and businesses in taking precautionary methods, extra steps must be taken in order to ensure that everyone stays healthy.  This is not just an individual effort.  The concern for the well being of so many streams in a line from the Head of State down to each individual household as to prepare for Swine Flu in the case this version of influenza becomes a pandemic.  There are things you should know that would not only keep you safe, but prevent the spread of person-to-person contact.

 

 

· Cover yourself and your germs: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth:  Germs are spread that way. 

· Wash your hands at least 20 second:  Washing your hands after using the restroom, before, during, and after cooking, as well as sneezing and coughing has always been one of the best ways to fight the spread of germs.  Don’t know how long is 20 seconds?  Sing Happy Birthday from start to finishe.  This will ensure all germs have been washed down the drain.

· Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer:  You can always go the extra step by butting a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse or keeping a bottle in your car.  10 seconds of vigorously rubbing your ands together should do the trick.

· Keep your work or play area clean:  Use alcohol-based wipes, Lysol, or bleach based wipes to help sanitize your work or play area.  Wipe down keyboards, phone receivers, desktops, or anything that comes in contact with everyday germs.

· Watch for any signs of sickness: We’ve all seen the signs, dizziness, fever, achy muscles, stuffy nose, coughing, headache, vomiting. If you or anyone else you know is experiencing these symptoms please seek medical attention and stay home.  This helps others to stay well by combating the virus at home.

 

These methods we have known for years and have helped in slowing down the spread of Swine Flu.

 

Also visit one of the sites below for more information

 

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

National institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases

Texas Department of State Health Services

Northeast Texas Public Health District