Influenza, or the flu, is an easily preventable illness with a vaccine in addition to practicing proper hand washing and covering your cough.
With the development of the H1N1 flu strain or swine flu, the biggest thing to remember is not to panic. There is a lot of news and headlines preparing us for the WORST CASE SCENERIO. The predictions on infection rates are just that, predictions. This news can be scary, but it unknown what will really happen with the spread of H1N1 this fall.
The best thing we can do is take the preventative steps within our control to protect our family and ourselves:
If you feel sick, STAY HOME! This goes for children and yourself. Take time to care for your body when it's sick and prevent spreading illness to others
Wash your hands and cover your cough - prevent spreading germs and getting infected by other's germs
If you have any questions about the flu and your family, talk to your doctor or call your local health department for information.
Message about H1N1 from Colorado Department of Publc Health and Enviroment:
We continue to ask all individuals with mild flu-like illness to stay home. Children and adolescents with fever should not go to day care or school. Adults with fever should not go to work until their symptoms resolve. Individuals with severe illness, such as difficulty breathing, should contact their health care provider.
The state health department also encourages people to take these personal precautions to decrease their chances of getting the flu:
Cover your sneezes and coughs - Learn the best techniques
Avoid others with respiratory illnesses
Again, this is a rapidly evolving situation and the state health department is asking people to be alert for changes in our guidance, available from this page.
