Gov. Bev Perdue on Tuesday called on North Carolina residents to re-dedicate themselves to following good prevention practices as the number of influenza cases are expected to rise with the beginning of the school year and the arrival of flu season.
“Parents, students and teachers can help prevent the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu from spreading by getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene and keeping themselves healthy,” Perdue said. “I don’t want folks to be scared about the flu, but I do want every North Carolinian to be vigilant and prepared.”
Everyone should follow standard health precautions as a first line of prevention;
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from making them sick.
- Get the seasonal flu vaccine now and the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.
For more information about influenza in North Carolina, please visit www.flu.nc.gov.