Nursing News…Flu Season Is Here

Health authorities are urging everyone to get the seasonal flu vaccine and then when it is available to follow it with the H1N1 vaccine. Children 4 and under and health care workers will probably be the first to receive the vaccine with everyone else being covered as the vaccine becomes available. As always, common sense prevails…

• Do not go to work if you are sick

• Sneeze into your sleeve near your elbow-(don’t cover your mouth with your hand)

• Hand washing with soap and water is the best defense against most illness. When soap and water is not available, have purell-like products handy. Think about the door handles, gym equipment, tabletops and other things you come in contact with outside of your home and wash after touching.