Macon County Schools

The Office of Student Health Services

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Preventing Seasonal Flu: GET VACCINATED

 

The fastest way for the flu virus to spread is via atomized droplets in the air formed when one sneezes.  And those droplets, containing active flu virus, are inhaled by the casual victim.  Because the atomized virus dies quickly when it contacts with cloth, the "SNEEZE IN YOUR SLEEVE" method could have a significant impact on how quickly the flu virus spreads.  This method is taught throughout our schools and advocated by health professionals and educators.

 

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season. There are two types of flu vaccines: injections and the nasal mist. About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection.

Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.

The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the three influenza viruses that research suggests will be most common.

Yearly flu vaccination should begin in September, or as soon as vaccine is available, and continue throughout the flu season which can last as late as May. This is because the timing and duration of flu seasons vary. While flu season can begin early as October, most of the time seasonal flu activity peaks in January, February or later.

 

Summary: Keep Hands Clean, Prevent the Spread of Germs

  1. Wet your hands with clean water.
  2. Lather your hands with soap, including the backs, under nails and between fingers.
  3. Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds, long enough to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice.
  4. Rinse hands thoroughly.
  5. Dry hands with a clean towel or air dry.

 

 

 

 

 



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