Swine flu calls for common sense precautions

With H1N1 headlines and stories dominating the news, the PartnerMD doctors want to assure our patients that the best way to protect yourself and stay healthy is through a simple, common sense approach.

“Try not to get caught up in some of the news media hype,” said PartnerMD’s Leon Spiers, M.D. “At this time I would not advise pre-treatment for the flu unless you’ve had bona fide exposure or you’re travelling to an area hit by the flu.”

Instead of seeking prescription medicine such as Tamiflu, which neither the Centers for Disease Control nor PartnerMD recommends for prophylactic treatment at this time, Spiers and the other PartnerMD doctors suggest the following precautions for staying healthy:

Wash frequently: Using soap and water is sufficient; hand sanitizer is a serviceable substitute.

Hands off: Avoid putting your hands and fingers in your mouth, eyes and nose to prevent transmitting the flu to yourself.

Take cover: Be sure to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, ideally with a tissue, which you should immediately discard. If no tissue is available, direct the sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow and be sure to wash afterward.

Crowd control: If possible, avoid congregating in closed, confined areas, including public transportation. If you will be travelling, be extra mindful of the above precautions.

Of course, if you’re ill, you should stay at home. And if you experience the onset of symptoms related to H1N1, contact your PartnerMD doctor. The symptoms of the contagious respiratory disease include body aches, significant fatigue, and sometimes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Stay tuned to local news and health department bulletins regarding H1N1; the CDC is providing ongoing advice and updates on its website: www.cdc.gov/swineflu/