Monday, Jun. 29, 2009

Stanislaus County: Care still needed to avoid getting swine flu

Swine flu, though not the headline-maker it was a few weeks ago, remains a concern. But Stanislaus County health officials say most cases seen in California have been mild.

The county health department posted an item on The Bee's moms site, www.modmoms.com, recommending people take precautions but also use common sense when it comes to the flu, swine or otherwise.

In a normal year, season influenza has run its course by summertime, to be replaced by the occasional summer cold and allergies. This year, health officials are still seeing see occurrences of the flu in the form of Novel H1N1, or swine flu.

The health department recommends people help prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses by:

- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Throw the tissue away immediately after using.

- Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

- Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick with the flu, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Germs spread this way.