Tips to Prevent the Spread of Flu

Article By: Monica L. Bonsett
Family and Consumer Sciences Educator
04/29/09

Many people are concerned about swine flu and while it is important to stay calm; we also need to be diligent about following prevention practices to help stop the spread of swine influenza and other types of flu. The symptoms of swine flu in people, according to the Centers for Disease Control, are the same as the seasonal human flu virus symptoms. Typical flu symptoms are:

• fever (often a high fever)
• cough
• body aches and headaches
• lack of appetite
• fatigue
• Some people report runny or stuffy noses or sore throats
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.
  

To prevent the spread of swine flu and other flu, follow these steps:

• avoid close contact with people who are sick
• stay home when you are sick to prevent others from catching your illness
• wash your hands properly and frequently for germ protection
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• engage in healthy behaviors such as getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious foods

Many people fail to wash their hands often enough or they wash incorrectly. Hands should be washed after:

• visiting the restroom
• covering your nose or mouth when coughing or sneezing
• working with raw foods
• changing diapers
• engaging in outdoor activities
• doing any activity that could contaminate hands

Always wash your hands before eating or preparing foods, touching serving utensils, preparing formula for infants, handling ready to eat foods, or serving foods.

When washing hands make sure to remove jewelry, except for a plain wedding band (pathogens can hide in and around jewelry). Use soap and running water, lather hands and wrists with soap for 20 seconds (20 seconds=the time it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song twice). Wash the backs of hands and wrists, between fingers, and under fingernails using a nailbrush. Rinse your hands and wrists under running water and use a paper towel to turn off the water. Finally, dry hands and wrists with clean, disposable, paper towels. If you use a hand sanitizer, you can apply it now. Hand sanitizers should never be used in place of proper hand washing!

For more information, go to the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ or call Monica Bonsett at the Extension office at 352-527-5713. Citrus County Extension links the public with the University of Florida/IFAS’ knowledge, research, and resources to address youth, family, community, and agricultural needs.

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