Definition (2)
- Infectious diseases
- Mayo Clinic expert answers your questions on H1N1 flu (swine flu)
Prevention (4)
- Disaster planning: Things you can do to stay healthy
- Hand washing: Do's and don'ts
- Vaccines for adults
- see all in Prevention
Treatments and drugs (1)
- Fever treatment: Quick guide to treating a fever
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continued:
Disaster planning: Things you can do to stay healthy
5. Consider wearing a mask
A respiratory mask may prevent you from inhaling airborne particles from an infected person's coughs or sneezes. The snug-fitting N95 face mask is the gold standard for infection protection.
6. Wear gloves
Consider wearing latex gloves when caring for someone with flu, as gloves may reduce the risk of direct contact with influenza viruses (but still wash your hands). Use latex-free gloves if you have a latex allergy.
7. Keep your home and work areas clean
Use disinfecting wipes or cleanser to clean such common surfaces as door handles, phones, computer keyboards, countertops and tools.
8. Keep your distance
In the event of a pandemic, avoid public areas, work from home, avoid unnecessary travel, stay three to six feet away from people who are coughing or sneezing, and avoid shaking hands, hugging, or kissing.
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- Protect yourself - Avian flu - general precautions. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_AvianFlu/avian_flu_general_precautions.pdf. Accessed Jan. 13, 2009.
- Good health habits for prevention fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm. Accessed Jan. 13, 2009.
- Human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus: Advice for travelers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentAvianFluAsia.aspx. Accessed Jan. 13, 2009.
