Tips for Flu Season

Helpful Tips For Flu Season
With fall quickly approaching and the onset of flu season beginning (especially the concern of H1N1- formerly called swine flu), we would like to give some reminders on safe practices:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
*adapted from U.S. Centers for Disease Control
The federal government is currently working on a vaccine for the H1N1 influenza virus and is expected to be available in mid-October. The CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health are recommending that children between 6 months and 18 years of age receive the vaccinations for both seasonal flu and the H1N1 influenza virus. We encourage you to speak with your child’s physician or local health department about where you may obtain these vaccinations.