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Stop the spread of germs this flu season

With flu vaccines slow to arrive, The William W. Backus Hospital is offering tips on how to stop the spread of germs during the flu season.

Robin Heard, RN, an epidemiologist at Backus Hospital, said the flu season doesn’t typically begin until at least early December.

Respiratory illnesses such as the flu, whooping cough and SARS are spread though coughing or sneezing and unclean hands. They are spread easily in crowded places where people are in close contact.

Ms. Heard said to stop the spread of germs, you should:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue every time you cough for sneeze.
• If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough on your sleeve.
• After coughing or sneezing, always clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol based hand cleaner.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses or other personal items.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Get vaccinated when flu shots become available.

She added that a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating right and getting enough sleep, helps the body ward off illnesses.

For information about flu shots in your area, call the American Lung Association’s flu hotline at 1-888-668-6358.