Tips for Staying Healthy

With H1N1 (swine) flu in the news, now is a good time to remind members of your family about the steps they can take to stay healthy. Here are good tactics to use, now and in daily life:

Stay in Good General Health
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

Clean Your Hands
The primary way to avoid getting sick is to wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

Cover Your Mouth When You Cough or Sneeze
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it, and wash your hands.

Avoid Touching Your Face
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Keep Your Environment Clean
Use disinfectant wipes on phones, shared equipment and shared surfaces.

Avoid the Germs
Avoid close contact with other people with flu-like symptoms, as possible.

Stay Home When You’re Sick
If you are experiencing influenza-like illness (fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headaches, or body aches) please stay home to prevent others from getting ill.

To learn about the symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu and what to do if you are sick, visit Dean’s H1N1 Flu Update section. This section also contains state and national resources where you can learn the latest on the H1N1 (swine) flu outbreak.