PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT from Otter Tail County Public Health
Contact Person: Diane Thorson, RN, PHN
218-998-8320

What to do to help fight the flu!

September 3, 2009

Health officials are concerned about the H1N1 novel influenza virus and the upcoming seasonal flu.

Your help is needed to fight the flu bugs this season. Here is what we need you to do:

1. Cover your cough or sneeze into your sleeve, or cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue over your mouth and nose, and then throw the tissue away.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing.
3. Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose.
4. Stay home if you are sick with a fever of 100.2, sore throat, and/or runny nose. You should stay home until you have not had a fever for 24 hours without any fever-reducing medications.
5. Limit contact with others if you are sick. Isolate yourself to your bedroom and bathroom.

To prepare for the flu season-here is what we need you to do:

1. Get your annual seasonal flu shot. The annual flu clinics will be held during September and October this year. It is not too early to get your flu shot.
2. Flu Shopping List:
a. Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen to reduce fever
b. Tissues for coughs and sneezing.
c. Clear liquid juices or water to stay hydrated.
d. Cough medicine or
e. Other over the counter flu type medications.
3. Have a plan for caring for children who are ill and unable to attend child care or school.

This message brought to you by Otter Tail County Public Health

 

To learn more, call the Minnesota Department of Health Hotline at 1-800-657-3903 or visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu.
A message from Otter Tail County Public Health.