FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com JANUARY 3, 2013 •hEAlTh • The Queens Courier35 s health health s FLU SEASON ETIQUETTE TIPS FROM THE EMILY POST INSTITUTE When the flu hits, manners may not be the first thing because you’re sick can help avoid a potentially diffi- mouth when you cough? Thanks.” Most people when that comes to mind. Yet, good “flu etiquette” and cult and awkward situation. By following appropriate prompted are eager to show good manners and do the hygiene can go a long way in helping to prevent the flu etiquette, we can all play a role in preventing the right thing. spread of influenza. While most Americans recognize spread of the flu virus.” “Every year, millions of Americans get influenza. that the flu virus spreads easily, they admit to some- We are all personally responsible for helping to con- times forgetting their manners when they have the flu: The Emily Post Institute offers the following eti- trol its spread,” says Susan J. Rehm, MD, medical a 2011 survey of more than 1,000 Americans found quette tips to manage common situations where the director at the National Foundation for Infectious that three out of four Americans (75%) would go to at flu virus might be spread from one person to another: Diseases (NFID). “The Centers for Disease Control least one social situation if they had symptoms of the 1. Share space, not the flu - Covering sneezes and and Prevention recommends flu vaccine as the first flu (out of a list of seven). coughs is a good habit all year round, especially dur- and most important step in preventing influenza, as Influenza, or “the flu,” is a contagious viral infection ing flu season. The flu virus can spread up to six feet well as good hygiene. If symptoms arise, see a doc- of the nose, throat, and lungs which occurs most often away from coughing, sneezing, or even just talking. tor quickly. The flu can be treated with prescription in the late fall, winter, and early spring. Flu is a serious 2. Know when to take a sick day - The flu is highly antiviral medicines.” infection which is associated, on average, with more contagious and the people you work with don’t want To help children recognize flu symptoms, learn than 200,000 hospitalizations due to flu related com- to get sick. Knowing the symptoms of flu versus a cold good habits, and pass the time with a fun activity this plications and can lead to thousands of deaths every is important so you know when to take a sick day winter, download a free coloring book at FluFACTS. year in the United States. and see a doctor. Remember the acronym F.A.C.T.S. com. On FluFACTS.com, you’ll find information to “No one wants to spread the flu to family, friends, to recognize if you might have the flu (Fever, Aches, help you distinguish between flu and cold symptoms, or colleagues. Yet many of us admit to tossing our Chills, Tiredness with Sudden Onset). sign up for flu alerts in your area, and download a free manners aside when we have the flu,” said Anna 3. In tight quarters - It’s tough to point out “Fight the Flu” iPhone app. Post, great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post and co- someone’s behavior mid-flight with hours left to go. This influenza education campaign and survey author of the 18th edition of Emily Post’s Etiquette. However, flu is highly contagious. If there’s no other are supported by Genentech, a member of the Roche “Knowing how to politely cancel an event you’re seat available, consider saying, “I can see you’re not Group. hosting or how to avoid shaking your client’s hand feeling well—would you mind covering your Courtesy BPT
QC01032013
To see the actual publication please follow the link above