Local efforts are under way to encourage healthy habits to avoid illness.
Everyday preventive actions can help slow the spread of germs that can cause many different illnesses, and may offer some protection against the flu.
“While a flu shot is the most effective measure against getting the flu, good prevention habits help reduce more than just the spread of flu,” said Kathleen Yeater, executive director of nursing at the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County, in a release.
The school district, government and health department in Pasco are pushing out reminders to practice healthy habits for prevention. Even Pasco County Parks and Libraries have teamed up with characters they developed named Nate and Wendy to get the message out about flu prevention. Thousands of people have watched the “Nate & Wendy” shows that address a variety of topics from the county government, according to a release.
The latest episode focuses on school children washing their hands and covering their mouths when they cough. That video can be found at Youtu.be/nPHV5mesjMY.
The messages, however, are the same for adults.
“If you do catch the flu, it’s important that you stay home and fight the illness,” said Randy TeBeest, assistant county administrator covering public safety. “We encourage our county employees not to spread the illness around by coming back to work. Stay home, get better, then come back.”
Some steps to help with everyday preventive actions include:
- Stay home when sick. If possible, stay away from work, school and errands. This will help prevent others from catching it. Also, avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue away after use, and wash hands. If a tissue is not available, cover mouths and noses with sleeves, not hands.
- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.
