Fight the Flu

Flu season will strike this fall - that we are sure of. In addition to seasonal flu viruses, it is very likely that the 2009 novel H1N1 flu virus will circulate in our communities. We can't stop the flu from coming, but what we can do is start now to protect our families and our communities from all types of flu viruses. It will take all of us working together to "Fight the Flu."

Protect Your Family

  • Get your family vaccinated against seasonal flu. This will be a first line of defense against flu this season. It is the best way to protect against seasonal influenza.
  • Plan ahead what you will do if your children's school or daycare is closed for a period of time.
  • Talk to your employer about a flexible work schedule in case you need to stay home because you are sick or because you are caring for a sick family member.
  • Stockpile enough food, water and medicine for at least seven days in case you need to stay home in isolation or quarantine.
  • Establish health family habits like good handwashing and not sharing personal items.

Protect Yourself

  • Get a seasonal flu vaccination. It will probably not protect you against H1N1, but it will offer protection against seasonal flu viruses.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Keep a distance of at least six feet from people who are sick.
  • Choose a healthy lifestyle that will build up your immune system. This includes getting adequate sleep, drinking plenty of water, choosing healthy foods, staying physically active, reducing stress and quitting smoking or tobacco use.

Protect Our Community

  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Keep your kids home if they are sick. Keep children home until they have not had a fever of 100°F for at least 24 hours without the help of fever-reducing medication.
  • At home keep sick people in a separate room and try to limit the time you spend with them.
  • Encourage sick family members to cover their cough or sneeze with a disposable tissue or the crook of their arm.
  • Encourage everyone in the household to wash their hands frequently with soap and water and not share personal items like drinks, silverware or toothbrushes.
  • Clean surfaces that are frequently touched, like telephones, keyboards, faucets and lightswitches.

These healthy habits will help protect you from seasonal flu, H1N1 influenza, and other contagious diseases.