These common-sense steps can help stop the spread of influenza germs:
- Wash hands frequently using soap and water.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues.
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
- Put used tissues in the trash and then wash your hands.
- If you get sick, stay home and away from others as much as possible.
- Don’t send sick children to school.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Throughout a flu pandemic the public may be asked or required to do things to help hold back the spread of the disease in our community.
Examples may include actions such as:
-When you are sick, stay home. Children should not go to school if they are sick. Staying home when sick will be absolutely necessary during a flu pandemic to help limit the spread of the disease.
-Even though you may be healthy, you could be asked to stay away from gatherings of people such as sporting events, movies, and festivals. During a flu pandemic, these kinds of events could be cancelled because large gatherings of people help spread the flu virus.
Isolation and Quarantine are public health actions used to contain the spread of a contagious disease. If asked, it will be important to follow Isolation and/or Quarantine instructions.
-Isolation is for people who are already ill. When someone is isolated, they are separated from people who are healthy. Having the sick person isolated can help to slow or stop the spread of disease. People who are isolated can be cared for in their homes, in hospitals, or in other healthcare facilities. Isolation is usually voluntary, but local, state, and federal governments have the power to require the isolation of sick people to protect the public.
-Quarantine is for people who have been exposed to the disease but are not sick. When someone is placed in quarantine, they are also separated from others. Even though the person is not sick at the moment, they were exposed to the disease and may still become infectious and then spread the disease to others. Quarantine can help slow or stop this from happening. States generally have the power to enforce quarantines within their borders.