The CDC has recommendations for avoiding the H1N1 flu. This flu was first called Swine Flu but has since been referred to by its scientific name. Regardless of what it is called, there are some steps to avoid catching it we all should remember.

• Stay informed. Local newscasts are good but the Center for Disease Control has up to date information on their website or you can call them at 1-800-CDC-INFO to receive the updates. Schools are watching closely so read all the bulletins that they send home.
• Coughing and sneezing seems to be the main way it spreads person-to-person.
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing with tissue that is promptly discarded into the trash.
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer often.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth as germs enter the body this way.
• Stay home if sick. Avoid contact with others at the first sign of illness.
• Listen for and follow all public health advice. Contact your physician at the first signs of illness.
• Reinforce in children how to effectively wash their hands. Children’s hands touch everything, it seems, and little one’s often forget just how much soap and water it takes to really clean hands.
• Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety. These weaken the immune systems.

Common sense ways to limit our exposure to the flu virus are prudent at this time. A little extra effort might mean staying healthy and is worth the trouble.