This is 2009 H1N1. He’s the new member of the Flu Krew. You may have heard of him as the swine flu, and he spreads easily from one person to another. But your Immune Platoon wants you to protect yourself from 2009 H1N1.
- Get the seasonal flu shot.
- Get the 2009 H1N1 flu shot now if you are under the age of 24, especially if you have asthma, diabetes or other chronic diseases, and later if you aren't.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Wash long enough to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Just squirt it on your hands and rub them until they are dry.
- Always use a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Make sure you cover your mouth and nose. Then throw your tissue in the trash as soon as you use it.
- If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not your hands.
- If you are sick, stay at home.
- Don't go to school or around other people until you don't have a fever for 24 hours.
- You should measure your temperature after you've stopped taking medicines that reduce fevers.
- Do not take aspirin to reduce fever. Taking aspirin if you have the flu may cause another disease called Reye's syndrome.
- Also, parents should not give children younger than 4 medicine for cough/colds without talking to a doctor.
- While sick, stay away from others to keep from infecting them.
To find out more about your Immune Platoon, click here.
