FLU Prevention - What You Can Do
CDC urges to "Take 3" (download brochure PDF, 766.72 KB) steps to fight the flu including the H1N1 (swine) flu:
1.) Take time to get vaccinated.
Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications, including persons with chronic kidney disease. Dialysis patients with diabetes or heart disease are at risk along several risk factors. In addition to the sesonal vaccine, new vaccine against novel H1N1 is being produced and will be available in the coming months.
2.) Take everyday preventive actions.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw it away after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
See CDC resource page Clean Hands Saves Lives and for pediatric patients visit Sesame Street for fun Wash Your Hands videos.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick.
- If you chose to wear a mask, visit FDA site and learn about the N95 mask. This mask is not appropriate for children and persons with facial hair.
3.) Follow your doctors recommendations.
- Get vaccinated.
- Take medications as perscribed.
- Stay home from work or school.
Last updated on: January 22, 2010
