With the current swine flu outbreak in the headlines and rising concerns about the risk of an influenza pandemic, all of us need to remember the basics that can help boost our immunity and prevent and contain the spread of upper respiratory illnesses.
Updated : 08/04/2009
Information
How the flu spreads
Normal seasonal influenza, swine flu and other respiratory viruses are usually spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The flu can also be spread via contact with objects that have been contaminated with the flu virus such as:
- door handles
- telephones
- keyboards
- faucets
A person then touches his mouth, eyes or nose and the virus starts reproducing in the mucous membranes.
Once the flu (or any other viral illness) is seen it is difficult to contain an outbreak within the classroom and dormitory setting (or anywhere there are large numbers of people confined to small areas), as someone with the flu can be contagious for 1-2 days prior to the onset of illness and for about 5 to 7 days after symptoms begin.
Back to Top
Staying healthy
- Keep your resistance up by eating a balanced diet and getting adequate sleep and exercise.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Keep a distance of three feet or more from a person who is visibly ill with coughing and sneezing.
- Wash your hands frequently or use a hand sanitizer after handling potentially dirty or contaminated surfaces.
- Use a paper towel or your elbow to turn off the faucet after hand washing as viruses may live on surfaces for two hours or more.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Get an annual flu shot. This will not protect you from pandemic influenza, but this is your best option for preventing seasonal flu. Students who have been diagnosed with the flu are asked not to attend class as long as they are running a fever.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes and throw away contaminated tissues promptly. -- If a tissue is not available, sneeze into your shoulder or sleeve.
- Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer frequently.
For more information on seasonal flu, swine flu or pandemic influenza you can refer to the following Web sites:
Center for Disease Control
World Health Organization
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
NC Department of Health and Human Services
|
