Influenza - What Can I Do to Prepare and Protect M

INFLUENZA - WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE AND PROTECT MYSELF?

It is important for you to understand what you can do to maximize your own safety!  There are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family:

• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water.  You should be working the soap into a lather for at least 15 seconds before you rinse your hands.
  
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you are unable to wash your hands with soap and water.  Walsh University will place numerous hand sanitizer dispensers throughout campus in the coming weeks. Get into the habit now of using this product!
  
• Cover your nose and your mouth with a disposable tissue when you sneeze or cough.  Dispose of the tissue immediately into a waste basket.
  
• If you do not have access to a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper arm or sleeve.
  
• When sneezing or coughing, turn your head away from others. 
  
• Increase the space in your "personal bubble", limiting person to person contact which will decrease the probability of transmitting the virus.
  
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes.  While the Influenza virus is primarily spread by airborne droplets that reach the eyes, nose and mouth, the virus is also spread by touching a contaminated surface and then touching one's face. 
  
• If you are ill and feel that you may infect others because of high fever or other symptoms, please stay home from school or work.  
  
• Get an influenza vaccine.
  
• Rely on sound information from the Center for Disease Control, Work Health Organization, or our local public health authorities.
  
• For further assistance or information, please contact Pat Wyman, Coordinator of Health Services at pwyman@walsh.edu or 330-490-7030.  Walsh University Health Services is located in the Wellness Center of the Physical Education Building