HEALTH
CENTER

THE FLU REVIEW

OK-so you understand that washing hands is good.  To adequately wash your hands and prevent spreading germs:

USE WARM WATER AND SOAP. If no soap is available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, either liquid, packets, or towel tubs.  Wash your hands as long as it takes you to sing Happy Birthday two times.  Don't ignore your fingers tips or between fingers. Give special attention to under nail areas.

AFTER YOU WASH, you can undo all that scrubbing just by touching a dirty faucet or doorknob.  Especially in a public restroom, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and if you can't open the door by pushing, use a towel to grab the handle or door knob.  Toss the towel in the container as you exit.

WHAT CAUSES THE FLU? Flu caused by Influenza virus A or Influenza virus B are usually very serious disease; however Influenza virus C usually causes only a mild illness. Since flu is a virus, it can not be treated with antibiotics. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that good health habits can help you stay well and possibly prevent you from getting the flu.  
Maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting enough rest, eating well, and exercising.
Avoid close contact  with people who are sick.  If you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick also.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.  Don't spread your germs.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from picking up germs from others.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth since germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. 

As you go through your day, think about places that other people have touched -- door knobs/handles, desks, faucets, paper towel holders, telephones, keyboards, pens, chairs, and remember that a certain percent of those people have sneezed into their hands, blown their nose, or wiped their eyes.  All of those places are carrying germs, just waiting for YOU.

INTERESTING NUMBERS
25% of people observed in malls didn't cover their mouths when they coughed or sneezed
17% used a tissue
44% coughed or sneezed into bare hands
2.8 - the average number of days the flu sufferer stays home from work.

1.  Carry tissues everywhere.  The flu virus spreads through little virus-carrying droplets that spew from your mouth and nose.  Those anti-viral tissues can't hurt but they're not going to solve your problem.  Any tissue will help contain droplets and prevent contamination of others.
2.  If you're caught without tissues, sneeze or cough into the crook of your arm, not into your hands.  If you use your hands you will continue to spread germs.
3.  Don't shake hands during flu season.  If you are introduced to someone, just smile, node or wave.
4.  If you're sick, carry some disinfectant wipes to clean all pens, keyboards, phones, etc. that you touch in public areas.
5.  Don't share your air.  Stay at least three feet away from anyone who is sneezing/ coughing.
6.  If you're sick, don't prepare food for other people.  If you are eating out and the person who serves you is coughing or sneezing, DON'T EAT THE FOOD.  Ask for a replacement or a refund.

IF YOU GET THE FLU -
We hope you don't get the flu, but if you do, 1.  There are anti-viral medications available by prescription (Flu is caused by 1 of 3 types of viruses.  Antibiotics will not fight a viral infection.)
2.  Stay in bed
3.  Drink plenty of fluids (chicken soup - canned or homemade may help you feel better.)
4.  Treat symptoms with over-the-counter meds or prescriptions.