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Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Phone: 719-578-2100; Fax 719-578-2239

Everyday Health Tips: Combating the FLU!

THE SPREAD OF VIRUSES

Viruses can spread by droplets sprayed through the air when a person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. It can also spread by a person touching contaminated surfaces (from these droplets) and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose (these are all entry points into our body).

People infected with the flu virus may infect others beginning 1 day prior to them having symptoms and up to 5 – 7 days after theybecome sick. That means a person can spread the flu to someone else before they even know they are sick!

EVERYDAY PREVENTIVE ACTIONS

  • WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN!!!To effectively wash your hands use soap and water and scrub your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds scrubbing both sides of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • AVOID TOUCHING YOUR MOUTH, EYES OR NOSE…this is how germs get into your body.
  • Eat fruits and vegetables to strengthen your immune system.
  • Get enough sleep and avoid getting “run-down”
  • Reduce stress – exercise is a beneficial way to help deal with stress while building a stronger immune system.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you or your child is sick with flu-like illness (sudden onset of temperature greater than 100, body aches, sore throat, chills, weakness) CDC recommends that you or your child stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care. The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medication (like Tylenol, Motrin, Aleve etc.)
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
  • While you are sick limit your contact with others.

FOR MORE INFORMATION regarding the flu and other communicable diseases go to the CDC’s web site:

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