Steps you can take to help prevent catching the H1N1 flu
If you're in the high risk group (pregnant women, caregivers of infants six months and younger, children from six months through 24 years of age, healthcare workers or if you have certain health conditions) getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available can help protect you from the H1N1 flu. In addition to the vaccine, you can take other steps to help prevent illness:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle through rest, diet, exercise and relaxation.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes. Germs spread this way.
- Keep frequently touched common surfaces sanitized, such as telephones, television remotes, computer keyboards, light switches and doorknobs.
If you work in an office-setting use the following guidelines as well:
- Do not use other workers’ phones, desks, offices or other work tools and equipment.
- If you must use a co-worker’s phone, desk or other equipment, sanitize them first.
Handwashing guidelines
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands with soap and warm water that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers are used, apply enough to cover hands, rub in and let dry. No water is needed; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
Additional steps to protect your kids from H1N1 exposure
Tell your kids to wash their hands often and avoid touching their mouth, nose and eyes. You might also want to put some alcohol-based hand sanitizer in their backpacks. The best protection is the H1N1 flu vaccine and avoiding contact with sick children.
You can also prevent spreading germs:
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your elbow.
- Be sure to wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
- Dispose of tissues in no-touch trash receptacles.
