There are other non-pharmaceutical ways to help prevent influenza. You can

still protect yourself and others from the spread of germs if you:

- Avoid close contact with those who are sick when possible. If you

are sick, keep your distance from others.

- Stay at home when you are sick if at all possible. Do not send children

to school if they are sick, particularly if they have a fever, are vomiting,

or have diarrhea.

- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief when coughing

or sneezing.

- Wash your hands often and instruct your children to do the same.

It will help protect you from germs.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs on your hands find

easy entry into the body from these areas.

Other healthy lifestyle habits, such as getting plenty of sleep, engaging

in physical activity, managing stress, drinking water, and eating healthy

foods will help you to stay healthy in the winter and all year long.

Should you happen to contract the flu: all is not lost. There are antiviral

medications which, if given soon after the onset of flu symptoms, will lessen

those symptoms and shorten the course or length of the infection. Call on

your family physician for assistance.

If there is any change in the current shortage situation, the Health Department

will alert the public through ads in The Citizen and the Fayette Daily News;

information on the public access channel, Comcast Cable Channel 23. We will

also update our phone message with any changes.

- Cynthia D. Grant, RN, BSN, MGA

County Nurse Manager

Fayette County Health Dept.