FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630-407-6022
May 3, 2009

HEALTH DEPARTMENT ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT H1N1 FLU AS THEY BEGIN ANOTHER WEEK

DU PAGE COUNTY― The DuPage County Health Department wants to remind residents beginning another week of work and school on Monday to ensure they are taking the necessary precautions in order to protect themselves from the H1N1 (swine) flu. 

Good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.

Precautionary steps residents can take include: 

• Avoid close contact ―Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home when you are sick ―If possible, stay home from work, school, public gatherings, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose ―Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Clean 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 are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits ―Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

For more information, please visit www.protectdupage.org. 

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