Washing your hands is one of the best weapons you have to fight off diseases like the flu.
Wash several times a day, and especially before and after you handle food, before and after you care for someone who is sick, after you cough, sneeze or visit the restroom.
Here’s how to make sure your hands are really clean:
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Wash with soap and warm water at least 20 seconds.
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Include the back of your hands, wrists, palm and under your fingernails.
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Dry with a clean towel. Throw disposable towels in the trash. You can air dry your hands if there is no towel.
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If you don’t have access to soap and water, an alcohol-based hand cleaner is a good substitute.
And don’t forget to cover your cough with your upper sleeve, rather than your hands. That’s your best weapon to protect other people.
Both the seasonal and the H1N1 influenza viruses are spread by coughing and sneezing, or by touching something that has the flu virus on it, then touching your mouth or nose. H1N1 used to be called the “swine flu, but it can’t be spread by eating pork or other foods prepared properly.
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Wash your hands often.
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Cover sneezes and coughs. Use a tissue and throw it away, or use your upper sleeve.
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Go home when you’re sick. Stay there at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
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Clean work and household surfaces often.
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Wear a mask if you have a condition that’s harmed your immune system.
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Ask your family, friends and health providers to get a flu vaccination. See advice on flu shots here.
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The symptoms of seasonal flu are cough, sore throat, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headache, nausea, chills, fatigue and fever 102º Fahrenheit or higher.
The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to seasonal flu. Some people have also had diarrhea and vomiting.
If you get the flu: Don’t go shopping or to work, school or public gatherings. Get lots of rest, drink clear liquids and cover your cough.
Get medical care for a child who:
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Has fast breathing or trouble breathing
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Has bluish or gray skin color
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Is not drinking enough fluids
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Has severe or persistent vomiting
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Is not waking up or interacting with you
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Is irritable and doesn’t want to be held
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Has flu-like symptoms that get better but then return with a fever and worse cough
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Has fever with a rash
Get medical help for an adult who:
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Has difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
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Has pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
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Has sudden dizziness
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Is confused
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Has severe or persistent vomiting
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Has flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and cough
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