SWINE INFLUENZA

HERE ARE THE TOP 10 GENERAL INFLUENZA PREVENTION METHODS

Medical
1.        Vaccination
2.        Antiviral medications

• Must start within 2 days of illness
• Treatment as advised by your health care provider

Non-Medical
3.        Cough Etiquette

• Properly cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing – See CDC “Cover Your Cough” at: www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm

4.        Hand Washing

• Proper Hand Washing Procedures

1. Wet hand with warm water
2. Apply soap to hands
3. Rub hands together vigorously for 15 – 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of hands and fingers
4. Rinse hands with warm water
5. Thoroughly dry hands with disposable towel or air blower
6. Use towel to turn off faucet

5.        Hand Sanitation (Alcohol rub/gel)

• Proper Use of Hand Sanitizer

1. Apply product to palm
2. Rub hands together covering all surfaces of hands and fingers
3. Rub until dry (15-20 seconds)
4. Use on visibly clean hands
5. Consider offering in public areas

6.        Avoid Touching Eyes, Nose and Mouth

• Germs are often spread when a person touches some thing that is contaminated with virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

Hard Surface Cleaning and Disinfecting
7.        Clean

• Organic material could protect the virus from sanitizers
• Removal of the organic material is a key part of effective disinfection

8.        Rinse

• Detergents should be rinsed off to avoid dilution or inactivation of disinfectant

9.        Disinfect

• Follow directions for use on the product label of a properly registered disinfectant which has claims of effectiveness against influenza viruses listed on the label.
  • Wipe down frequently touched surfaces with a properly registered disinfectant
    • Light and air control switches
    • Faucets and toilet flush levers
    • Door knobs, TV and radio controls and telephones
    • Public restroom doors
    • Other surfaces as needed
    • Disinfect all surfaces in the bathroom that may have contacted respiratory secretions, urine or feces according to standard infection control procedures.  Carefully read and follow all product directions according to the product label.

10.        Stay Home When You’re Sick

• With cold or flu symptoms, stay home and get plenty of rest
  
• Check with your local health care provider as needed