Last updated : Monday, April 27, 2009

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Fight Off the Flu!

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a cold or flu is the key to prevention. Ward off the flu with these recommendations from Clifford W. Bassett, MD FAAAI, FACAAI. 

Cold and flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Individuals may also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching their nose, eyes or mouth.

Given all of the talk regarding the swine flu virus, it is important to stay aware of your symptoms, but do not panic. If you feel you may be infected by influenza, call your physician to discuss your symptoms. Your doctor can advise you what to do next.

Here are some additional strategies:

1. HAND WASHING RULES!
- Clean hands often.
- Hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after touching objects, surfaces or other person's hands to physically remove cold viruses.
- When water isn't available, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend using alcohol-based liquid hand sanitizers made for disinfecting your hands. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. Alcohol-based hand disinfectant wipes can be useful for young children. Learn more at: www.cdc.gov/cleanhands.

2. Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes and nose. Don't touch your face. Cold and flu are often spread by hand-to-hand contact. Avoid directly facing an individual who is coughing and sneezing.

3. Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do this EVERY time you sneeze or cough.

4. Limit your exposure (even brief contact) to those sufferers, especially during the first several days of their cold symptoms.

5. Watch out for germs that may linger on kitchen cloths or towels. Throw-away paper towels are useful. Use a paper towel to turn off sink water faucets.

6. Stay home when you are infected with a cold virus. Do not report to work!

7. Getting adequate rest and sleep, as well as a balanced diet is a good first step in keeping your immune system from getting overly stressed and thus will be better prepared to fight off illnesses such as flu and colds.

8. Routinely clean and disinfect. Remember disinfecting actually destroys germs, not just clean surfaces. Follow instructions of all disinfectants. Germs may live on countertops and surfaces for two hours or even longer.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ and www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_003

Disclaimer: The materials and other information provided are for educational, communication and information purposes only and are not intended to replace or constitute medical advice or treatments.

 

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