How to Prevent the Swine Flu

As reports of the swine flu continue to dominate national headlines, the American Red Cross recommends individuals, families and businesses follow basic safety tips to prevent the spread of illness.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or a hand sanitizer.

• Avoid or minimize contact with sick people (a minimum 3 feet distancing is recommended.)

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.

• Stay away from others as much as possible when you are sick.

• Adopt good business policies that encourage employees/students to stay home when sick and get a flu shot every year.

• Follow health and travel recommendations from your local health authorities and the CDC.

As health experts across the world seek to get more information and a better understanding of the scope and severity of the swine flu outbreak, this is also a good time for families, businesses and organizations to review and update their preparedness plans.

More Information:

 

• Center for Disease Control: 1-800-cdc-info (1-800-232-4636)
• Florida Department of Health Information Line: 1-800-775-8039
• Orange County Health Department Call Center: 407.836.2600

Florida Hospital Centra Care will open the Central Florida Swine Flu Hotline to serve as an information line for the public with questions about the swine flu. Centra Care personnel will man the phones from 8 AM – 8 PM, weekdays. A recorded message with Swine Flu information will be available during off-hours.

The Central Florida Swine Flu Hotline is: 407-200-CARE (2273)