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Prevent the Spread of the Swine Flu

How to Keep from Coming Down with H1N1

Sep 26, 2009 Jennifer Wagaman

When trying to prevent the spread of the flu, families should take careful steps that will help catch the flu early and prevent family and friends from catching it.

As the swine flu, or H1N1 continues to spread rampantly across the globe, many are wondering how to protect themselves, especially if a family member comes down with the flu. While the vaccine is important to receive, there are steps that can be taken to help protect family members from contracting the flu.

First Things to Do when Suspecting the Swine Flu

If someone becomes sick and suspects that it may be the Swine Flu, the first thing to do is get to a doctor. If it is still within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, the doctor can prescribe Tamiflu, a medication that can help to shorten the duration and severity of the flu symptoms. According to Melissa Fisher of the Maryland Primary Care in Arnold, Maryland, H1N1 is showing some resistance to Tamiflu, but it can still be helpful to take.

Signs of the flu to watch for include a fever, cough, achy joints and muscles, headache and exhaustion. Some people also experience a sore throat and congestion. Symptoms typically come on very fast. The Center for Disease Control is asking that anyone feeling sick should stay home from work to help prevent the spread of the flu.

How to prevent the Spread of H1N1 in the Home or Workplace

When a family member or co-worker comes down with the Swine flu, this does not guarantee that everyone who has contact with that person will also contract H1N1. There are some very specific steps that everyone should take to minimize his or her risk of getting the flu. The first step will be to get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.

The first step in preventing the spread of H1N1 is to stay home when sick and wash hands with soap and water often. When washing hands, it is important to use soap and water and wash for 30 seconds before rinsing. This will give the soap time to kill the germs. If soap and water is not available, alcohol-based waterless-hand sanitizer is effective at killing the germs.

Family members should use a disinfectant on all surfaces that are touched by someone with the flu. Laundry can also carry the germs and should be done routinely. The person who is sick should make an effort to remain isolated from healthy family members. Cover a cough or sneeze with tissues, and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth as this will encourage the spread of germs.

While the flu is prevalent, it is possible to prevent catching it when proper steps are taken. Remembering to go to the doctor, stay home from work with ill and following careful sanitation protocols will help keep the flu from spreading. For more information on the flu, visit the CDC website.

Learn tips on how teachers can stay healthy this flu season.

The copyright of the article Prevent the Spread of the Swine Flu in General Medicine is owned by Jennifer Wagaman. Permission to republish Prevent the Spread of the Swine Flu in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Prevent the Spead of H1N1