H1N1: Caution this holiday season concerning familiar greetings
The pandemic nature of H1N1 and regular seasonal flu makes this fall and winter holiday seasons different than previous years.
"With profound love and friendship comes responsibilities and openness," said Mohammad Torabi, chair of the Department of Applied Health Science in Indiana University's School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. "It is best to be on the safe side and protect yourself and others."
Torabi recommends the following "back to basics" approach when it comes to personal hygiene for protecting oneself and others:
- Minimize social gatherings if possible
- If you have any signs or symptoms of flu, you should decline social event invitations
- If you attend holiday and social gatherings, it is best to avoid hand-shaking, hugging, kissing, sharing utensils, or sharing the same plate or glass
- Avoid cross-contamination by not using your utensils for serving yourself from serving dishes
- Wash hands, do not share towels, cover your mouth and nose while sneezing
- Educate members of your family and friends as to basic personal hygiene practices
- Advocate for vaccinations for both H1N1 and seasonal flu
- Trust the judgment of your health care provider
To read more articles from the Department of Applied Health Science, visit http://newsinfo.iu.edu/cat/page/normal/357.html.
