Prevention: How to Avoid the Flu

The seasonal flu shot is especially recommended for young children, people 65 and over, pregnant women, those with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease.

• A seasonal flu shot will not protect you against H1N1. A new vaccine against H1N1 is currently undergoing clinical trials. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects the H1N1 vaccine to be available in mid October.

• State and local health officials will make decisions about vaccine distribution.

• CDC guidelines indicate that initial doses of the H1N1 vaccine will be made available to:

  • Pregnant women

  • Children and young adults: 6 months to 24 years

  • Persons who live or provide care for children

  • Health-care and emergency medical personnel

  • Persons aged 25-64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications

• Wash your hands well and often, especially after your sneeze or cough. Use plenty of soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

• Avoid touching your mouth and nose.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into the bend of your elbow, rather than your hands.

• Clean places where the flu virus may linger, especially in the bath and kitchen, by wiping down surfaces with a disinfectant.