Nov. 7, 2009
BYRD'S EYE VIEW: Flu Precautions
By Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-WV
As the first shipments of H1N1 flu vaccine make their way into the state of West Virginia, it is clear that the flu has spread much farther and faster than have the vaccines. Many people are concerned about getting vaccinated in time. The first doses must treat high priority patients’ first B health care providers, pregnant women, young children and their caregivers, and those with existing medical conditions which put them at higher risk.
In the rush to line up for a flu shot, however, we should not overlook the tried and true basics of flu prevention. The flu spreads primarily through person-to-person contact, so your mother=s advice still applies: cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough; wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; avoid crowds and limit your exposure to flu victims as much as possible. Disinfect surfaces and clean toys and other objects which your children share. Don=t share food or dishes. These simple precautions can help to reduce your and your family=s chances of catching the seasonal flu as well as the H1N1 flu and other illnesses.
If you or someone in your family becomes ill, try to isolate them or yourself as much as possible. Get plenty of rest and drink clear fluids. Stay home from work or school for at least 24 hours after the fever has broken. Children may remain infectious for a longer period of time. Following this simple plan will mean that you will recover faster, and that you will also reduce the chances of co-workers and their families becoming ill. Be careful about handling the dishes and laundry of those who have flu symptoms, and wash clothes and other items they use in warm, soapy water. Consider wearing a mask if you are sick and must interact with your family, or with an ill family member. If you or a sick family member has any special medical conditions or if the illness becomes severe, contact your doctor.
Plenty of helpful advice and information about the flu and vaccine status is available on the Internet at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or at www.wvflu.org, or you can call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information about the H1N1 flu. You can even sign up to receive email updates or link to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for ATwitter@ updates on the flu. The flu is here, but common sense precautions plus vaccinations can reduce the risk of catching it.
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BYRD'S EYE VIEW: Flu Precautions
By Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-WV
As the first shipments of H1N1 flu vaccine make their way into the state of West Virginia, it is clear that the flu has spread much farther and faster than have the vaccines. Many people are concerned about getting vaccinated in time. The first doses must treat high priority patients’ first B health care providers, pregnant women, young children and their caregivers, and those with existing medical conditions which put them at higher risk.
In the rush to line up for a flu shot, however, we should not overlook the tried and true basics of flu prevention. The flu spreads primarily through person-to-person contact, so your mother=s advice still applies: cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough; wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; avoid crowds and limit your exposure to flu victims as much as possible. Disinfect surfaces and clean toys and other objects which your children share. Don=t share food or dishes. These simple precautions can help to reduce your and your family=s chances of catching the seasonal flu as well as the H1N1 flu and other illnesses.
If you or someone in your family becomes ill, try to isolate them or yourself as much as possible. Get plenty of rest and drink clear fluids. Stay home from work or school for at least 24 hours after the fever has broken. Children may remain infectious for a longer period of time. Following this simple plan will mean that you will recover faster, and that you will also reduce the chances of co-workers and their families becoming ill. Be careful about handling the dishes and laundry of those who have flu symptoms, and wash clothes and other items they use in warm, soapy water. Consider wearing a mask if you are sick and must interact with your family, or with an ill family member. If you or a sick family member has any special medical conditions or if the illness becomes severe, contact your doctor.
Plenty of helpful advice and information about the flu and vaccine status is available on the Internet at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or at www.wvflu.org, or you can call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information about the H1N1 flu. You can even sign up to receive email updates or link to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for ATwitter@ updates on the flu. The flu is here, but common sense precautions plus vaccinations can reduce the risk of catching it.
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