Health dept. offers tips to prevent illness
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[February 10, 2012]
"The winter months can bring increased
reports of common viral illnesses such as influenza and
gastrointestinal illness like norovirus, often referred to as 'the
stomach flu,'" says Dianna Heyer, director of nursing for the Logan
County Department of Public Health. Heyer said that "while these are
different illnesses, both share some common factors in the way they
are transmitted and prevented."
Many viruses are spread from person to person through coughing,
sneezing or talking. Viruses can also be spread when people touch a
surface with the virus on it and then touch their mouth, eyes or
By following these simple prevention measures, families can
slow the spread of germs and may prevent illness within their
Get your annual
influenza vaccination. (There is no vaccine for gastrointestinal
Wash your hands
often, especially after toileting, changing diapers, and before
eating or preparing food.
Cover your mouth
and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If tissues are
not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
your eyes, nose or mouth.
Try to avoid
direct contact with people who are sick.
Stay at home if
you are sick. If fever is present, stay home for at least 24
hours until fever is gone and body temperature remains normal
without a fever-reducing medicine.
food for others if you are sick.
frequently touched objects and surfaces.
disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of
diarrhea or vomiting by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
Wash clothing immediately in hot water
and soap after an episode of diarrhea or vomiting.
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More information about influenza and gastrointestinal illness is
available on the Illinois Department of Public Health website at
www.idph.state.il.us and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention website at www.cdc.gov.
Influenza vaccine is still available at the Logan County
Department of Public Health from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday
through Friday on a walk-in basis and on the HOPE Mobile during its
regularly scheduled stops.
[Text from file received from
Logan County Department of Public