Tuesday Tip - Swine Flu Prevention

A topic that you can't avoid in recent days is the Swine Flu Pandemic. From print and television reports to coverage on blogs like CrimeScene, the topic is foremost on the minds of many people. So, how do we protect ourselves from exposure? Take a look at the CDC website for this article, "Swine Influenza and You." The following is an excerpt of tips from the CDC:

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
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 spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Another website with helpful information can be found at PandemicFlu.gov. First responders are particularly susceptible to exposure like this. Prevention and precautions to limit exposure must be taken. This is a topic that is important to not only you and your family, but also to your local police and fire personnel.