Feburary 10, 2009

Flu season is in full swing in Maine, and Penobscot Valley Hospital is asking you to take precautious to help the spread of viruses at home, at work, and even in the hospital.

“PVH has placed special holders in each of our waiting rooms so that people can easily access hand sanitizer, tissues, and disposable masks,” says Infection Control Professional Sherry McCafferty. “We are asking everyone who believes they might have a virus—cold or flu—to use the masks to help prevent the spread of germs. That includes staff, emergency room patients, and visitors.”

Flu is a very serious, contagious disease. Each year in the United States, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications. 20,000 of those hospitalized are children younger than 5 years old, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that each year, 36,000 people die from flu.

There are some key tips to remember:

1. Get Your Flu Shot: the single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. The CDC reports that the vaccine can prevent the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illnesses this season. If you get a different strain, it can help you have a more mild case.
2. Avoid Close Contact: avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
3. Stay Home When You Are Sick: if possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
4. Cover Your Mouth and Nose: cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
5. Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose, and Mouth: germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Clean Your Hands: washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
7. Practice Good Health Habits: avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.