HOW TO STAY HEALTHY

TOP THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT THE FLU

With the H1N1 scare this season and several other viral illness in the community it is important you take the following measures to prevent you and your family from becoming sick:

• Wash your hands often, especially after coughing and sneezing. Wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol based hand sanitizers or wipes if soap and water are not available.
• When coughing or sneezing cover you mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Throw out the used tissue and wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. This is how viruses can enter your body.
• If you are sick,stay home and away from others for 24 hours after your fever (>100F) is gone without the use of fever reducing medications.
• Stay away from sick people when possible.
• Most people who get the flu do not need to come to the doctor or hospital unless they are severely ill or have an underlying condition.
• If you are severely ill or at high risk for complications and become ill, call your doctor. Early treatment with antiviral medications is important for people at high risk because it can prevent hospitalization and death. ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS WILL NOT PREVENT THE FLU! They may only reduce symptoms in patients who are at high risk.

The following websites are recommended for the most up to date information:

www.erie.gov/health/swine flu.asp

www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

www.flu.gov/

At the present time we do not have the H1N1 vaccine. We have not received any information at this time as to when we may expect the vaccine. When we have further information we will post further information.