MemorialCare Medical Centers 2009 to 2010 Influenza (Flu) Season

3 Recommendations to Help Fight the Flu!

This flu season, you'll want to take extra precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends these steps to protect against H1N1 (Swine) Flu and the Seasonal Flu:

1. Take Time to Get Your Flu Shot
   
   • The CDC recommends an annual flu shot as the first, and most important, step in protecting against seasonal influenza.
   • While there are many different flu viruses, the seasonal flu vaccine protects against the three seasonal viruses that research suggests will be most common.
2. Take Everyday Preventive Actions
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
3. Take Flu Antiviral Drugs (if your doctor recommends them)
   
   • If you have any questions, please contact your family member’s care team.

It is also important to remember the safety of the patients currently in the hospital. If you're not feeling well, please do not visit patients in the hospital.

For More Information

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  cdc.gov/swineflu
• Orange County Public Health
  ochealthinfo.com
• Swine flu and pregnant women
  cdc.gov/h1n1flu/clinician_pregnant.htm
• Fight the Flu Video