H1N1 Death Toll Continues to Rise — What You Can Do
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), deaths as a result of the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, have totaled more than 6,000. As of today, the pandemic has affected over 199 countries and territories worldwide and continues to spread. What can you do to guard you and your family?
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) acknowledges that persons most affected by H1N1 are those with pre-existing medical conditions. Additionally, it cites that children under the age of 5, adults over 65, and pregnant women are all also at a higher risk for complications related to the virus.
In order to help create awareness, here are some tips to help make sure you stay healthy and swine-flu-free. In addition to a flu vaccination, the CDC recommends the following:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
Though the steps may seem overly simple, they are truly your best defense against contracting illnesses. And for most people, consistently keeping their hands away from their face is very difficult. As such, if you or someone close to you does end up contracting the virus, be sure to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Get plenty of sleep and rest.
- Drink a lot of clear liquids (water, broth, sports drinks, etc.).
- Avoid contact with other people until 24 hours after your fever breaks.
For the most part, exercise caution and be conservative when it comes to your health during this particularly vulnerable season. And don’t hesitate to stay home from work, school, or other business at the slightest onset of symptoms.
[photo: Diego Cupolo]
Tags: Center for Disease Control, H1N1 virus, prevention, swine flu, World Health Organization