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Prevention of Influenza
- What should people do daily to improve their immune system? [
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Contribute to building a strong, healthy immune system by following these daily guidelines:
| Eat Healthy |
Enjoy a variety of foods from all food groups each day. Choose lower fat foods more often. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. |
| Get Active |
Add physical activity into your daily routine; even simple steps like taking the stairs or walking across campus will boost your health. Choosing activities you like to do is the best way to make physical activity a regular part of your life. |
| Wash Your Hands |
Proper hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of illness. Wash your hands before eating, after using the washroom and after coughing or sneezing. Use warm, soapy water and lather for 15 to 20 seconds. http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/files/ns-2009-05-21-flu-self-care.pdf |
| Get enough rest |
Adequate sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. |
REMEMBER:
Hand sanitizers can be used when access to warm water and soap is not readily available. The best hand sanitizers to use are those which contain alcohol, with recommended 60-90% alcohol content as these are the most effective; gel sanitizers may also be used. These products are available for your use in various supermarkets and drug stores. Remember preparedness begins with you!
- How can I practice good hygiene? [
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Always Clean, Cover and Contain
Hand hygiene is the single most important measure for preventing the spread of infections. Students and staff are encouraged to practice hand hygiene frequently: either washing their hands with soap and warm running water for at least 15 seconds or using a 60-90 per cent alcohol-based hand sanitizer. http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/Influenza-Self-Care.pdf
- What can I do to prevent myself from getting Influenza? [
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The best way to avoid getting any flu or cold virus is to keep your hands clean. Ensuring you have clean hands prevents you from then putting the virus on your nose or on your eyes or your mouth, where it generally comes into contact with your body and can cause the infection.
The other way to avoid getting Influenza is to avoid people who are sick, coughing or sneezing.
- What additional cleaning precautions can I take to help prevent the transmission of Influenza?
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We all have to take extra responsibility for minimizing the likelihood of contracting the Influenza virus. As such we should avoid touching high traffic areas with our hands. If you must touch these surfaces, avoid putting your hands near your face until you have washed your hands with warm water and soap. The College has increased its cleaning of the following areas:
- Push bars on doors
- Door handles
- Taps and sinks
- Handrails in the stairwells
- Are there any other preventive measures in addition to hand washing? [
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Yes, you should do the following:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Or if you do not have tissues cover your cough or sneeze with the crook of your arm or your sleeve.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as germs can spread that way.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you must be in close contact with people who are sick, consider wearing a mask and make sure to use proper hand washing techniques after contact.
- Avoid shaking other people’s hands. If you must shake hands with someone, then avoid touching your face before you can use hand sanitizer or wash your hands.
- If you get sick, stay at home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Don’t go to work, class or other gatherings, and encourage friends, family, and co-workers to do the same.
- Medication to help mitigate the severity of illness is available only for those with very serious health problems and compromised immune systems who have been exposed to the Influenza virus. Pregnant women should also contact their clinician if they are exposed.
- Follow all public health advice regarding school/College closures.
- Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or more: have stocked a supply of food, over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items that might be useful. This can help you avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious. See the next question for a more detailed list.
- Are there items everyone should have at home to be prepared if they get sick with Influenza?
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It is advisable to have the following items on hand:
- A thermometer to check for fever
- Fever reducer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Decongestant
- Cough drops
- A supply of tea, water, Gatorade, soup, crackers
- Facial tissues
- Disposable surgical masks
- Purell or other 60-90 per cent alcohol based hand sanitizer
- Lysol or Clorox disinfecting wipes
- Cleaning supplies
- Cool mist vaporizer
- Multivitamins
- Is there a vaccine for H1N1 influenza? [
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- How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with the Influenza virus be handled on campus? [
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Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but it is important these items not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.
Eating utensils used by an ill individual should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with hot water and soap; they do not have to be washed separately.
- Should individuals wear masks on campus? [
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There is no evidence that the use of masks in general public settings will be protective when the virus is circulating widely in the community. However, there will be areas of the College, for example, Health Services, where our students and staff will follow the requirements for healthcare environments and masks may be used for personal protection. The use of good hygiene practices is recommended in keeping with the Clean, Cover and Contain campaign. The College is not considered to be a hospital/healthcare setting.
- How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of the Influenza virus?
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To prevent the spread of the Influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, individuals should wash their hands using the recommended hand washing method after handling garbage.
When emptying the garbage bin containers, the garbage bags should be removed and discarded daily as well. Reusing garbage bags is strongly discouraged.
- What should be done if someone who is obviously sick comes to the College? [
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- Tell your supervisor or teacher.
Last updated:
November 13, 2009
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