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We All Play A Role In Preventing The Spread Of Swine Flu
By Dr. Stephen Ostroff, For The Bulletin
The new school year is well underway and, as expected, so are more cases of novel A/H1N1 in schools around the state. Wherever children come together, there are opportunities to spread this flu virus. But you - parents, students and school staff members - can help reduce the spread of this disease.
The Department of Health strongly recommends children with influenza-like illness stay home until 24 hours after their fever leaves without the use of fever reducing medication. The same applies to teachers and staff. When you are sick, the best place to be is home.
We encourage parents to plan in advance in case their children have to stay home from school or their child’s school closes for a period of time. Talk to your employer now about whether or not you’re allowed to work from home or whether you have sick time that can be used.
As the Acting Physician General, I also strongly recommend that you vaccinate your children against seasonal flu and as the novel A/ H1N1 vaccine now begins to become available, your child should receive this vaccine too. Vaccines do not guarantee they won’t get the flu, but they are the best preventive measure available.
Symptoms of the new influenza virus are similar to those of regular or seasonal flu and include sudden fever and cough with muscle aches, fatigue and lack of appetite. Many people with this infection also have runny nose, sore throat and watery eyes, and some also have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Always remember the flu is contagious to others. So, in addition to staying home when you are sick, other ways to avoid spreading illness are as follows:
1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; if you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands.
2. Avoid touching your face especially your eyes, nose and mouth.
3. Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer.
4. Keep frequently used surfaces clean.
5. Stay at home if you are sick.
6. When the H1N1 vaccination becomes available, talk with your healthcare provider about you and your child getting one.
If all of us do our part and practice these simple steps, we can help lessen the severity of pandemic influenza this season in the commonwealth. You can learn more about preventing the spread of the novel H1N1 virus by calling toll free at 1-877-PA-HEALTH or by visiting www.H1N1inPA.com.
Dr. Stephen Ostroff is Acting Physician General in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Department of Health strongly recommends children with influenza-like illness stay home until 24 hours after their fever leaves without the use of fever reducing medication. The same applies to teachers and staff. When you are sick, the best place to be is home.
We encourage parents to plan in advance in case their children have to stay home from school or their child’s school closes for a period of time. Talk to your employer now about whether or not you’re allowed to work from home or whether you have sick time that can be used.
As the Acting Physician General, I also strongly recommend that you vaccinate your children against seasonal flu and as the novel A/ H1N1 vaccine now begins to become available, your child should receive this vaccine too. Vaccines do not guarantee they won’t get the flu, but they are the best preventive measure available.
Symptoms of the new influenza virus are similar to those of regular or seasonal flu and include sudden fever and cough with muscle aches, fatigue and lack of appetite. Many people with this infection also have runny nose, sore throat and watery eyes, and some also have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Always remember the flu is contagious to others. So, in addition to staying home when you are sick, other ways to avoid spreading illness are as follows:
1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; if you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands.
2. Avoid touching your face especially your eyes, nose and mouth.
3. Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer.
4. Keep frequently used surfaces clean.
5. Stay at home if you are sick.
6. When the H1N1 vaccination becomes available, talk with your healthcare provider about you and your child getting one.
If all of us do our part and practice these simple steps, we can help lessen the severity of pandemic influenza this season in the commonwealth. You can learn more about preventing the spread of the novel H1N1 virus by calling toll free at 1-877-PA-HEALTH or by visiting www.H1N1inPA.com.
Dr. Stephen Ostroff is Acting Physician General in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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