Flu Prevention

The greatest defense against the spread of flu is planning and prevention. 

We can all work to prevent the spread of flu and colds by:

• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Washing  your hands with soap and water or use antibacterial gel
• Staying away from people who have the flu or a cold
• Staying home if you are sick 

Staying home from work or school means just that - staying home.  Don't go to the gym, to the mall or to other public places.  If you keep your child home from school, your child should stay at the house. 

Please do not take sick children to dance class, football practice, the YMCA, Scouts, or any other extracurricular activities where illness can be spread among children. Make sure you have a back-up childcare plan in case your child's day care or school closes due to the flu. 

Keep in mind that you can be contagious the day before you experience any flu symptoms.  You continue to be contagious as long as you are symptomatic.  That's why staying home is so important to prevent the spread of the flu viruses.

In general, you can recover from flu on your own.  However, if you or your child experiences any of the following symptoms, a trip to the emergency department or your family physician is advised.

Emergency symptoms in children:

• Bluish skin tone
• Irregular, fast or difficulty breathing
• Extreme irritability - does not want to be held
• Symptoms improve then return worse than before
• Failure to consume fluids
• Difficulty waking up
• Not interacting

Emergency symptoms in adults:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest or abdomen pain and/or pressure\
• Mental confusion
• Dizziness that comes on suddenly
• Severe, persistent vomiting