September 23, 2009

Now that school is back in session and colder weather is creeping into Maine, healthcare outlets are beginning to see more cases of the flu. Penobscot Valley Hospital, Health Access Network, and Millinocket Regional Hospital are urging people to follow the recommendations from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. A few simple steps could help you prevent the spread of the flu and other illnesses this season.

Here are some key tips to remember:

1. Get Your Seasonal Flu Shot: the single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. Seasonal flu shots are beginning to be available to the public, but production has been slowed by the manufacturing of H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine. Watch for community flu clinic announcements, or speak to your doctor for information on getting vaccinated. H1N1 vaccinations are expected to be available later this fall.
2. Avoid Close Contact: avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are ill, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
3. Stay Home When You Are Ill: 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. If you don’t have a tissue available, cough into your sleeve—not your hand, so you can avoid transferring the germs to the surfaces you touch.
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. Wash Your Hands: washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
7. Practice Healthy Habits: avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, try to manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods.

To learn more, talk to your doctor or visit this CDC webpage: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/