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COMMUNITY HEALTH |
Take 5: Behaviors To Reduce The Spread Of Flu And Flu-Like Illness
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• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth . Germs spread this way.
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• Try to avoid persons who are ill if you can. And don't go visiting when you are sick . Your intentions may be good in wanting to make that visit to the nursing home. But if you are sick, you will be bringing germs into an environment where people are more vulnerable to illness. I Copyright 2010. Distributed by Quinnipiack Valley Health District, 1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven CT 06473. Telephone: 203-248-4528. |
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Quinnipiack Valley Health District |
Phone. (203) 248-4528 |
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| © 2010, Quinnipiack Valley Health District. All rights reserved Web site design by SNP Technologies, Inc. | Privacy Statement |
and Programs
Through behavior, individuals can have a potentially big impact on a flu season's severity. (President's Council of Advisors on Science, 2009) Besides getting a flu vaccine, there are five basic behaviors that everyone can take (and teach children) that can reduce the spread of flu and flu-like illness. 
Use respiratory etiquette . Cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze with a tissue. (If a tissue is unavailable, at least try to cough into your sleeve.) Dispose of used tissues in a trash can. 
Wash your hands frequently and properly with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. This is one of the most important actions you can take to prevent the spread of illnesses in yourself and others. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective for removing germs (but not dirt).
If you are sick with flu-like illness (defined as a fever of 100 degrees or higher and a cough or sore throat) stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine . The rest of the office or your child's school does not want your germs. 
f yo
u have a medical condition or a viral illness that doesn't show signs of improvement within a few days, it is a good idea to check with your health care provider if you have an influenza-like illness. This is especially true if the illness is accompanied by a high fever, unusual symptoms, difficulty breathing, moderate pain or other severe symptoms. While most people recover without complications from the garden-variety viral illness, others may develop complications such as sinusitis or pneumonia.