As you know, flu can be spread easily from person to person. Therefore, we are taking steps to prevent the spread of flu at MTTI-WellSpring for as long as possible, but we need your help to accomplish this. Please follow the below tips.

• Practice good hand hygiene. Washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.

• Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.

• Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.

• Stay home if necessary. If you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Don’t go to class or work. 

• Talk with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes). For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.

If this year’s flu season becomes more severe, MTTI-WellSpring may take additional steps to prevent the spread of the virus. For the most up-to-date information on flu, visit www.flu.gov, or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).

More information

• Stopping Germs at Home, Work and School
  
• Tips to Prevent H1N1