Stop the Spread of Germs
from the Centers for Disease Control
How Germs Spread
The main way that illnesses like colds and flu are spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This is called "droplet spread."
This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and are deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Sometimes germs also can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches his or her own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.
How to Stop the Spread of Germs
In a nutshell:
Cover your mouth and nose
Clean your hands often
Remind your children to practice healthy habits, too
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
The "Happy Birthday" song helps keep your hands clean?
Not exactly. Yet we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. That's about the same time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice!
Alcohol-Based Hand Wipes and Gel Sanitizers Work Too
When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
For more information, visit the CDC’s web site at www.cdc.gov/germstopper
A recent study* found that adult influenza vaccinations:
*Decreased the number of work days missed by 18%
*Decreased the number of less effective work days by 18%
*Decreased the number of provider visits by 13%
Holding an onsite clinic means that employees do not need to take time off to visit their doctor or an outside clinic for immunization. In fact, research shows that up to 45% of employees surveyed would be more likely to obtain a flu shot if it were available at a flu shot clinic in their workplace.
Kenosha VNA can provide onsite flu clinics for all shifts. We will also provide posters, handouts and other education to help make employees aware of the need for an annual flu shot.
Flu season usually peaks between December and March. The best time to vaccinate at work is October and November. For more information or to schedule an onsite clinic at your workplace,
call Judy at 262-656-8400.
*Nichol; Mallon; Mendelman; (2003) “Cost benefit of influenza vaccination in healthy, working adults: An economic analysis based on the results of a clinical trial of trivalent live attenuated influenza virus vaccine” Vaccine, vol 21,
pp. 2207-2217.
EVERYONE needs a flu shot!
Seasonal INFLUENZA (flu) is a serious disease of the nose, throat and lungs. It can make you sick for a week or longer with coughing, fever, aching, and more. And it can lead to pneumonia.
Everyone should get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families from influenza, to avoid missing quality time (including holidays) with their families, to avoid losing time from work, and to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Even healthy, young people can become quite ill. You might bring the influenza virus home to an infant or young child, older relative, or someone with a medical condition who can get serious complications from influenza.
WHO is at High Risk?
People who are 50 years old or older. Even if you are active and in good health, you have a higher risk of complications if you get the flu. Each year about 36,000 people in the US. die because of the flu.
People with chronic (ongoing) or long-term health problems.
You may look and feel healthy, but if you have a condition like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or asthma, you are more likely to have complications from the flu. If your immune system is weakened by long-term problems like cancer, you need a flu shot (the flu shot is safe for people with weak immune systems).
Women who are pregnant during flu season (Nov - Mar).
Pregnant women are at risk of complications and hospitalization if they get the flu. The influenza vaccine is safe for pregnant women and their babies. Protect yourself and your baby by getting vaccinated.
Children under 5 years old. Children under 5 years old have a high risk of emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to flu. (Kenosha VNA can vaccinate children 3yrs and older)
What is Influenza A H1N1?
Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get it, but human infections can and do happen.
How is it Spread?
Influenza A H1N1 virus spreads the same way as seasonal flu. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. People may become infected by touching their mouth or nose with infected hands.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Influenza A H1N1?
Similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu, Influenza A H1N1 symptoms include:
* fever greater than 100 degrees
* body aches
* coughing
* sore throat
* respiratory congestion
* in some cases, diarrhea and vomiting
What can I Do to Prevent from Getting Sick?
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw tissue in the trash after use.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to reduce the spread of germs.
What Should You Do if You Become Sick?
If you experience the above symptoms of H1N1, avoid contact with others. Click here for guidance from the CDC.
For More Information
* Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Influenza A H1N1 web site at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
* In the Wisconsin, dial 2-1-1 for current information, or visit www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov
Stop the spread of Germs
at Home, Work or School
Kenosha VNA Office
600 52nd Street, 3rd Floor, Kenosha
Monday thru Friday from 8:30a - 5:00p
Cost:
Seasonal Flu Shots $30
H1N1: $15
Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa or
Medicare Part B accepted
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600 52nd Street, Suite 300
Kenosha, WI 53140
262 656 8400