Fight Off Flu Virus

By: Ashmar Mandou

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - HealthThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) are encouraging to live a healthier lifestyle to ward off the flu this winter season. “Flu season is here and we want to make sure that everyone takes the necessary precaution to help avoid the illness,” said Elizabette Nava, secretary for the Illinois Chapter of NAHN. “We strongly encourage families to get vaccinated, but we understand the apprehension behind it. So we ask families to visit with their doctor or local clinic to ask questions about the vaccination.” Until then, Nava with the help of the Hispanic Nurses Network, a partnership between NAHN and The Clorox Company, shared some facts and tips on how to fight of the flu virus.

Flu Facts
Did you know you could spread the flu virus a day before you develop symptoms?

  • Flu is responsible for approximately 22 million missed school days each year.
  • The flu virus can survive up to 72 hours on surfaces like doorknobs and desks. (As a preventative measure, Clorox recommends using Clorox® disinfecting products to help kill 99.9 percent of the flu virus found throughout your house.)
  • Adults can spread the flu virus up to a day before developing symptoms and three to seven days after symptoms start. Children can pass on the virus even longer.

Prevention Tips

  • Get vaccinated. Vaccination is the first step to flu prevention. In general, all healthy people should get vaccinated. The CDC now recommends that, in addition to other high risk groups, all healthy children get a flu vaccination. Find a local vaccination center here.
  • Wash your hands. Cold and flu viruses may be spread by indirect contact. Maybe someone sneezes onto their hand and then touches a doorknob, only to have the virus picked up by the next person who also touches it. Washing your hands is the best way to prevent getting sick. Wash your hands with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand rubs are also effective.
  • Disinfect common surfaces. Viruses that cause colds and flu can survive on common surfaces for up to 72 hours. Don’t forget to use Clorox® disinfecting products on phone receivers, doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.
Tags: 

Comments are closed.