Flu Season

Information about the flu from the U.S. Government:  http://www.flu.gov/

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: www.colorado.gov/nofluforyou

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Facts: www.cdc.gov/FLU/protect/keyfacts.htm

2009 H1N1 Vaccine Facts: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2009 H1N1 Flu resource page: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

Flu season is here! We recommend that you and your family plan now for the flu season. Click here for a message from our CEO about a Flu Season Plan of Action.

We strongly encourage you to include the following actions in your plan.

Vaccinations (shots)

The best way to protect you and your family against any flu is with a vaccination. There are 2 different vaccinations this year, the seasonal flu vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine. Talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) to get more information about both vaccines. You can also find information at: http://flu.gov/individualfamily/vaccination/.

If you need help finding a location to get a shot, go to http://www.immunizecolorado.com/findAFluClinic.asp

Good Hand Washing

Good hand washing is the best way to protect you from both types of flu. Make it a family habit to wash your hands well and often (especially before eating or drinking, after using the bathroom, or after coughing or sneezing) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Stay Home if you get Sick

If you do get sick, it is very important that you stay home, so that you do not get anyone else sick. Anyone with flu-like symptoms, including a fever of 100°F, should stay home from work, school, or daycare until they have been without a fever for at least 24 hours.

Tips for Caring for a Sick Family Member

When caring for a sick family member at home, try to keep them in a room to themselves. If possible, have only one person provide care. That person should try to avoid being directly face-to-face with the sick person, and they should wash their hands frequently with soap and water.