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For those looking to avoid that nasty influenza bug, the Santa Monica Fire Department has some advice on ways to go about it. They suggest the single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each fall.
Health officials recommend getting a “flu shot,” approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, or the nasal spray-type flu vaccine, for use in healthy people between the ages of 5 and 49 who are not pregnant.
In addition to the vaccine, the SMFD says you should wash your hands — and make sure you are washing correctly. Cover hands with soap and rub hands together for at least 20 seconds. An easy way to pass the appropriate time to wash is to sing the Happy Birthday song. If there is no way to get to a sink, consider using a hand sanitizer.
Another rule of thumb the fire department suggests is to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, but use your entire hand when you do it. Just as important is to avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands. Also, wipe common area surfaces with disinfectant wipes when possible and try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Lastly, the SMFD advises people to stay home if they are sick. For more flu-based information, visit www.cdc.gov.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 1, 2007. Read the original PDF.