The most up to date information on the Swine Flu in Maricopa County can be found at http://www.wearepublichealth.org. I encourage you to practice good health habits to help keep our community safe during a potential flu outbreak.
The main way that illnesses like colds and flu are spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. This is called "droplet spread."
Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person can move through the air and are deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Sometimes germs also can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches his or her own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.
Good Health Habits
· Get proper nutrition and enough rest.
I know that this is a busy time of year, but you won’t be able to have fun if you’re sick!
· Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Try not to share phones with a sick person.
· Stay home when you are sick.
Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
· Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
· Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Use a hand sanitizer when you are unable to wash your hands.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
For more information, visit the Center for Disease Control’s website at www.CDC.gov.
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