HOW TO REDUCE THE CHANCES OF VIRUS TRANSMISSION

There are many precautions you should be taking at home, at your business, or at your school to help in reducing the possibility of you or those around you getting the H1N1 virus (also known as "Swine Flu").

You should encourage those around you to be vigilant in covering their coughs or sneezes. Along with good hygiene, this is a great first step in warding off the flu. Washing your hands often with soap and water and also making sure to have liquid soap readily available is another good step towards staying healthy. If it's not possible or convenient get access to soap and water, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or hand foam is a good alternative as recommended by the World Health Organization. The CDC also suggests using a gel sanitizer or hand wipes if soap and water are out of reach.

Another high priority should be high traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, etc. where germs can easily spread from one person to another. Antibacterial soaps or antibacterial hand wipes are another excellent way to help keep areas germ free.

Please be aware that if you are have flu-like symptoms like runny nose, fever, coughing, etc. you're best off to stay home to reduce the chance of making others sick. In fact,the CDC suggests staying home for 1 full day once your fever goes away to reduce the chances of those around you contracting your illness.