Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
  
  
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  
  
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  
  
• If you get sick with the flu, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. You should stay home until your symptoms have been gone for a full 24 hours and are no longer being controlled by fever-reducing medications.
  
  
• Practice other, good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 Flu in people?
The symptoms of H1N1 Flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu. They include fever, cough, sore throat, lack of appetite, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people with H1N1 Flu also have reported runny nose, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you become ill with flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider. He or she will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

For the latest flu advisories, visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

For information about flu in Louisiana, please call 211 or visit www.flula.com.

You may also call the North Oak Public Information Line at (985) 230-INFO (4636).