Protecting Families from Swine Flu: Essential Steps and Precautions

Strategic Insights -

As the World Health Organization (WHO) raises the pandemic alert to level five for swine flu (influenza A virus H1N1), parents are seeking reliable information and tools to safeguard their families' health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a range of practices to prevent the spread of swine flu and other infectious diseases. By following these simple steps, families can reduce their risk of infection and stay healthy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CDC advises parents to thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, scrubbing under the nails and the back of the hands, and using hand sanitizer if soap is not available.
  • Disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops, at the beginning and end of the day can minimize the spread of illnesses through contaminated surfaces.
  • Teaching children to avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth, known as the "T zone," can significantly reduce the transmission of germs.
  • Staying home from school or work if sick, following the advice of health experts, and having a contingency plan in place, including essential items such as medicine, food, masks, disinfectants, and hand sanitizer, can help prevent the spread of illness.
  • The use of LYSOL(R) Disinfectant products, which are effective against influenza A virus and the H1N1 strain, can provide additional protection against the spread of swine flu.

Statistics:

  • 20 seconds is the time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice, which is the recommended hand-washing duration.
  • Hand sanitizer can be used if soap is not readily available.
  • The CDC recommends disinfecting surfaces at both the beginning and end of the day to minimize the spread of illnesses.
  • Families should establish a contingency plan, including essential items, in the event of school closures or other disruptions.

Sources:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Swine Flu http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
  • World Health Organization (WHO) - Swine Flu http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
  • Germ Protection Center via the Visiting Nurse Associations of America http://vnaa.org/vnaa/g/?h=3Dhtml/germ_protection_center_influenza
  • CDC - Ounce of Prevention initiative, created in partnership with LYSOL(R) www.cdc.gov/ounceofprevention