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HEALTH TOPICS A-Z
Cold & Flu
H1N1 information
2009-2010 Cold & Flu Materials:
Tips for Preventing Colds & Flu:
- Get a flu vaccine each year. This year there are two: seasonal and H1N1.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose. Quickly throw away used tissues, then wash your hands.
- If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve/elbow - not into your hands.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces in your home that are touched often like light switches, doorknobs, faucets, and appliance handles.
- Don't share food, utensils, or beverages with others. Don't share things like towels, lipstick, toys, cigarettes, or anything else that might be contaminated with respiratory germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs can spread this way.
- Avoid close contact with sick people. Most germs are spread when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
- Stay at home if you have a cough or fever.
- Wear a mask in a medical office, if asked.
- Always follow your doctor's instructions and take your medicine as prescribed.
Who Needs a Seasonal Flu Shot?
- Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
- Pregnant women
- People 50 years of age and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu
- And, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu
What is Influenza?
Influenza (the flu) is NOT the "common cold" or the "stomach flu." It
is a respiratory disease that spreads easily by coughing and sneezing.
Influenza causes high fever, coughing, head and body aches and can lead
to serious complications.
Do All Children Need a Seasonal Flu Shot?
Yes! It's estimated that each year in the U.S. more than 20,000 children under age 5 are hospitalized due to flu. And sadly, last flu season 72 children died from flu-related causes. Protect your child this flu season. Call your health care provider or our Clinic for an appointment: 324-1600.
When Should You Get Your Seasonal Flu Shot?
October or November is the best time, but you can still get vaccinated in December or later. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May.
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