HealthPartners offers tips to prevent spread of flu

December 12, 2008

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - A HealthPartners medical director says taking simple steps can be the most effective way to prevent the spread of influenza.

"People can be spreading the virus a day before they begin experiencing symptoms and then up to five days after they become sick," said Jim Nordin, MD head of HealthPartners Disease Surveillance System and HealthPartners Influenza Immunization program. Here are some steps to take to prevent it from spreading:

Cover your cough. If you have flu symptoms, stay at home, cover your cough or sneeze but avoid using your hand; wash your hands several times a day. Frequently clean household items used by many people, such as your telephone.

Get vaccinated. This year, vaccine supplies are at an all-time high. Flu vaccine can be given through the entire influenza season Oct. through March.

Conservatively take antivirals. Flu antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza decrease the ability of flu viruses to reproduce but they should only be used as a last resort. Getting a vaccine each year is the best way to protect yourself.

Avoid antibiotics. Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections. Colds, flu, sore throats, and bronchitis are caused by viruses, and taking antibiotics may do more harm than good by making bacteria more resistant to antibiotics.

See a doctor with serious symptoms. Most cases of the flu don't require a trip to the clinic. You should see a doctor if you experience difficultly breathing, chest pain, high fever, continuous vomiting or inability to keep fluids down.

Consumers in the Twin Cities can get free tissues and hand sanitizer this season from HealthPartners "Healthy Should be Simple" Campaign. The campaign has backlit panels up in 10 locations throughout the metro, each distributing free tissues or Purell hand sanitizer in an effort to promote covering your cough and washing your hands this winter.

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About HealthPartners
Founded in 1957, the HealthPartners (www.healthpartners.com) family of healthcare companies serves more than one million medical and dental health plan members nationwide. It is the largest consumer-governed, nonprofit healthcare organization in the nation, providing care, coverage, research and education to improve the health of members, patients and the community. For the third year in a row, HealthPartners is rated one of the best commercial health plans in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, NCQA's "America's Best Health Plans 2007".

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