Tips for surviving – and thriving – this flu season

After a summer hiatus—from the headlines anyway—H1N1 is back, and it demands your attention.

In June, the World Health Organization declared H1N1 widespread enough to earn the pandemic label, and while the word pandemic may sound uncomfortably similar to panic, don’t. Stay informed, keep your wits about you and practice healthy habits this flu season.

Take action to protect yourself and your family from H1N1 and seasonal flu by following these tips from the CDC:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough and sneeze into your elbow. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Keep frequently touched common surfaces clean, such as telephones, computer keyboards, doorknobs, bathroom and kitchen counters and children’s toys, by wiping them down with a household disinfectant.
Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by sick persons in your household in the trash.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle through rest, diet, exercise and relaxation.
Try to avoid close contact (6 feet) with sick people, including anyone in the house who is sick.
Get vaccinated. While the seasonal flu vaccines will not protect you from H1N1, an H1N1 vaccine is expected to become available in October.

You can also boost your immune system by maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress and exercising. Read Web MD’s comprehensive article about using your immune system to stay well.

The CDC recommends that those who become ill with flu-like symptoms stay home for at least 24 hours until they are free of fever without the use of fever-reducing medicines. Symptoms of flu include fever, which is defined as a temperature of 100 degrees F or 38 degrees C, or chills and cough or sore throat. Additional symptoms may include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea or vomiting.

Not sure how to tell if it is the seasonal flu, H1N1 or a cold? You are not alone. CNN.com offers a good explanation, and the Star Tribune provides a useful H1N1 primer.

Share this information with your family members and others. Be proactive and stay healthy this season.

For more information about H1N1 and seasonal flu, visit these sites:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control

Influenza
www.cdc.gov/flu

2009 H1N1 Flu
www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU

Vaccination priority groups
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm

Flu.gov

U.S. Government H1N1, avian and pandemic flu information
www.flu.gov

World Health Organization

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009
www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en

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