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Flu Season: Keeping You & Your Families Safe & Healthy

Just a few months ago people around the world became aware of what is now called “The Swine Flu”, also known as the H1N1 Flu. Worldwide panic struck as people became ill, causing some fatalities and numerous schools to close because of the wide spread of what is now officially called the H1N1 virus.

What is the Swine Flu (H1N1)?
The swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that result in regular outbreaks in pigs. Humans don’t usually get swine flu but infections can and do occur.

How does the H1N1 spread?
The H1N1 virus spreads in the same manner as the regular flu virus. It is spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing and touching infected people or surfaces such as door knobs, hand rails, banisters, etc.

Whether it’s the H1N1 virus, the common flu or just the common cold, there are particular steps that can keep you and your families safe and healthy. These steps will also help prevent the spread of the flu virus.

• Stay home if you're sick and limit your contact with other people. This will prevent others from getting infected.
  • Some Swine flu symptoms include: fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Call your physician! Your primary health care provider will determine whether you will need to be tested for influenza or if treatment is needed.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it!!!!!
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. When you wash your hands, soap-up and scrub for twenty seconds. It is also a good idea to carry alcohol-based, disinfecting wipes, sprays or gels with you just in case soap and water are not available.

Just keep in mind, the next time you are at a rest room and you notice the person standing in front of the sink singing “Happy Birthday” twice while washing their hands, they might just be using the 20 second hand washing method!!!! So sing-a-long as you wash your hands!!!!!

For more information on the swine flu you can go to:

www.cdc.gov/swineflu

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/swine-flu-faq-1

http://www.flu.gov/

http://www.medicinenet.com/swine_flu/article.htm