Influenza: Introduction

Hand Hygiene

The single most effective way to prevent the spread of disease! Nurses should be sure they, their colleagues, their patients, family and friends wash their hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Covering Cough or Sneeze

Use a tissue to cover a cough or sneeze to prevent the spread of infectious droplets.

If You Have Sign / Symptoms of Flu

Stay home if you are ill.

Obtain Vaccine for Seasonal and H1N1 Flu

Public health officials recommend that everyone who is eligible to receive the seasonal flu vaccine should get it every year. If you are eligible to receive H1N1 flu vaccine when it is available, you should get that vaccine as well. You may be able to receive both vaccines at the same time, though the seasonal flu vaccine will be available sooner than the H1N1 vaccine.