Helpful Hints Regarding H1NI

For more information, please check out the following websites:

AgriLife Extension's Texas EDEN Flu Resources for your clientele:

http://texashelp.tamu.edu/004-natural/disease-and-epidemic.php#fluHuman

For additional flu information: http://www.texasflu.org/

Here is a list of things we can all do to avoid spreading the flu, compiled by Carol Rice, Extension health specialist:

· Get the seasonal flu immunization as soon as possible and the H1N1 vaccination as recommended for you.

· Recognize early signs of flu: fever at 100⁰F or higher, dry cough, sore throat, muscle aches and pain, headache, and cold symptoms. Stay at home until free from fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicines.

· Regularly wash hands with warm soap and water for 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

· Provide and use disinfecting wipes on commonly touched/shared surfaces like door handles, copy machine buttons, phones, etc.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

· Shield coughs and sneezes with your elbow or upper arm rather than your hands; use disposable tissues and discard promptly after use. Keep tissues readily available.

· Avoid shaking hands.

· Maintain a distance of three to six feet from others who appear sick.

· Keep your immune system strong with regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a good diet.