February 8, 2008

Help Prevent Colds and Flu

With the height of the cold and flu season upon us, Nassau County Department of Health reminds individuals to take simple precautions to help avoid getting sick or spreading disease.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue away after use.
• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.  If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Stay away as much as you can from people who are sick.
• If you get the flu, stay home from work or school.  If you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth as germs often spread this way.

The department also reminds individuals who have not yet been vaccinated against flu that it is not too late.  Vaccination is especially important for those who are at high risk for complications from the flu or who live with or care for those at high risk, including:

• Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday,
• Pregnant women,
• People 50 years of age and older,
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions,
• People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities,
• Household contacts of those persons listed above,
• Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated) and
• Healthcare workers.