Taking steps to prevent illness, as well as to be prepared in the event that illness strikes, are essential especially when an illness such as the H1N1 virus has been proclaimed a pandemic.
Handwashing is one of the most basic and yet most important steps everyone can take to prevent the spread of colds and flu. Where soap and water are not readily available, hand sanitizers are a must.
Flu Germs Live on Surfaces
Flu germs are known to live on surfaces for up to 8 hours. This means if someone who is ill wipes his/her nose with their bare hand and then flushes a toilet, anyone touching that same toilet handle for the next few hours can potentially contract the flu.
This is why it is important for anyone who is ill to stay home. Coughing and sneezing around others puts those germs into the air, but any surface touched can harbor the germs for hours as well.
Cleaning surfaces frequently with disinfectant can help to kill cold and flu germs and slow the spread. Door knobs, counter tops, desks, light switches, telephones, toilets, sinks, the office coffee pot, are all potential sources of germs when someone who is ill does not stay home. They can also be potential sources of germs in the home.
Swine Flu is Contagious Before Symptoms Appear
In the instance of the H1N1 or swine flu, it is now known that people can be contagious 2-3 days before they exhibit or experience any symptoms. This presents a major public health issue in trying to contain or prevent the spread of germs. Anyone who has been exposed to the flu from family, friends, neighbors or co-workers should be cautious and aware of their potential to spread flu germs.
Steps to Stay Well
Staying hydrated, eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and avoiding crowds will all help to promote good health and avoid illness. Practicing good hygiene is essential. Go outdoors when possible and breath in the fresh air. In cold weather it is easy to spend a lot of time indoors and the air can become stale and dry.
Caring for the Sick
If a family member is ill, try to isolate him as much as possible. Have him use and dispose of tissues. Wash his dishes in hot soapy water and don’t let them sit on the counter or in the sink for hours. Don’t hug dirty linens or clothing while transporting to the washer. Wash them in the hottest water possible with adequate detergent. Clean surfaces they touch with disinfectants and enforce frequent handwashing.
Keep hands away from the eyes, mouth and nose. Clip fingernails, or scrub under them as part of the handwashing routine. Long and especially artificial fingernails can harbor germs. Cough or sneeze into a tissue if possible and dispose of it right away. If tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into the bent elbow and turn away from others to do so.
Keep Foods and Medications on Hand
Stock the pantry with items such as chicken, vegetable or beef broths, soup, applesauce, Jello, saltine crackers, and ginger ale. Check for expiration dates on over the counter medications and have on hand cough, cold, and fever reducing medications for all age groups in the household. Read labels and take as directed.
Get a flu shot and understand that it can take up to two weeks to become effective. It may not prevent illness in everyone, but those who do get the flu anyway will usually have a much milder case. Keep current with local health/illness advice and trends throughout the season.
Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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