Health officials are concerned about a resurgence of H1N1 flu--otherwise known as the swine flu. The City is planning for how the H1N1 flu may affect operations at the City and wants to pass on that information to concerned citizens, too. It's important to review the basic facts to help ward off H1N1 or any seasonal flu.
The Centers for Disease Control says symptoms of pandemic and/or swine flu are similar to that of regular seasonal flu and include fever, cough, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. The flu virus is spread from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes or touches things that others use.
Health officials have some tips to protect yourself and others:
- Wash your hands.
The best way to protect yourself from viruses is to wash your hands often. Make sure you clean under your nails. Soap and warm water are best, but when they are not available, use alcohol-based hand gel or disposable wipes. - Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
It is best not to use your bare hand. Cough into your sleeve or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. - Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
The flu virus is often spread when a person touches something that has the virus on it and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. - Increase your social distance.
The recommended distance is between 3 and 6-ft. - Keep common lunch/eating areas clean.
Once you’re done eating wash your dish or put it in the dishwasher, if available. - Stay home when you’re sick or have flu symptoms.
Drink extra water, get plenty of rest and check with a health care provider as needed. - Stay hydrated.
Watch for weakness, fainting, dry mouth, dark concentrated urine, low blood pressure or a fast pulse when lying or sitting down. These are signs of dehydration. The flu virus causes the body to lose water through fever and sweating. To prevent dehydration, it is very important for a person with the flu to drink a lot of water—up to 12 glasses a day.
Watch the PSA Flu Prevention Video:
To learn more:
