Easy Steps to Preventing The Flu

Per the CDC’s latest reports, the flu has now been reported as widespread in 42 states plus New York City and the District of Columbia, with 53 pediatric flu-related deaths reported so far. What this means for most, and certainly those with children, is that the flu is much closer to you and your home than you may think. While most of the recommendations for prevention should be practiced throughout the year, it’s more important right now to follow these steps to prevent sickness for not only you and your family, but numerous others.

• Take everyday preventive actions that are always recommended to reduce the spread of the flu.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses that cause flu.
• See Everyday Preventative Actions and recommended precautions to take during daily life and when going out for more information about actions – apart from getting vaccinated and taking medicine – that people and communities can take to help slow the spread of illnesses like influenza (flu).
• For flu, CDC recommends that people stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Fever should be gone without the need to use a fever-reducing medicine.

For more information on how to prevent the flu, or if you feel as though you may be at risk for the virus, please contact our office and speak with our nursing staff at (716) 884-0230.

Categorized in: Flu

This post was written by Delaware Pediatrics