Archive for September, 2009

The “Dracula Sneeze” (raising your upper arm to cover your nose and mouth) makes sense but it may take some old-schoolers a little retraining before they catch on.

Everyone (hopefully) understands they should cover their cough and sneeze however using your bare hand to do it is passé.

If you use your bare hand to cover your cough and sneeze those germs are going to hang out on your hand and chances are pretty good you’re going to touch something before you are able to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer thus spreading germs.

If you find the “Dracula Sneeze” method on the more gross side carry some Kleenex or whatever brand of tissue you like with you. Catch the sneeze or cough in the Kleenex, toss it in the garbage can and immediately wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.

This all sounds rather rudimentary but how many times have you been out in public and seen someone let loose a series of coughs or sneezes and just turn their head? Those little germ particles are not only landing somewhere but sticking to that somewhere for who knows how long (it varies due to the specific virus and surface).

Cold and flu season is upon us – it’s never an excuse to say the cough or sneeze “just came out of nowhere” to justify not covering it. Don’t most coughs and sneezes come out of nowhere?

Sources: latimes.com, sacbee.com

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Everyone knows about the Influenza A (AKA H1N1 virus, swine flu) and the basic tips on how to prevent it (wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough, etc.) So, what happens when you or someone living in your household gets the flu? You have to live there too. What are you supposed to do in the meantime?

There’s a prescribed antiviral flu medicine called Tamiflu. Some people think only the person who has the flu virus should take it. However, if you personally have been exposed to someone who has the flu taking Tamiflu can help keep the virus from making you sick.

So, here’s the dealio (the facts) of Tamiflu:

• Tamiflu is a medicine that must be taken within 12 to 48 hours from the first appearance of flu symptoms

For flu treatment: When taken within two days of experiencing symptoms, Tamiflu works by helping to stop the flu virus from spreading inside the body

For flu prevention: When you have been exposed to someone with the flu, taking Tamiflu can help keep the virus from making you sick

• Tamiflu is effective for adults and children aged one year and older
• Tamiflu is the #1 doctor-prescribed medicine for flu treatment
• Tamiflu is not a substitute for the flu shot (getting a flu vaccination is your first line of defense in flu prevention)
• In flu treatment studies of patients who took Tamiflu within 48 hours of the first appearance of symptoms:

Adults felt better 30 percent faster (1.3 days) than flu patients who did not take Tamiflu

Children felt better up to 26 percent faster (1.5 days) than flu patients who did not take Tamiflu

Source: Tamiflu.com

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Sure, we all remember the “This is your brain on drugs” PSA from the eighties but have you checked out any of the latest PSAs featured on YouTube? If not, you should check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/USGOVHHS.

The US Department of Health & Human Services has their own special YouTube page featuring videos submitted by everyday people about steps you can take to prevent the spread of the flu.

Of course the tips in these videos are all common sense and courtesy (wash your hands, cough into your sleeve, stay home if you’re sick, carry a flu kit) but the videos are still fun to watch and best yet you have until September 16th to vote on which one is your favorite. The winner will receive a $2500 cash prize.

While you’re bebopping around on the web test your “Readiness Quotient” on WhatsYourRQ.org and see how you rank against people in your area. Are you prepared in the event of an emergency? Do you have a first aid kit handy? How about a flashlight and backup batteries?

For old time’s sake:

Sources: Flu.gov, WhatsYourRQ.org, YouTube.com

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September is here again and that means its National Preparedness Month. Jamie Lee Curtis is proud to be a part of the American Red Cross’ Do More Than Cross Your Fingers campaign.

So, what are some of the items the Halloween Scream Queen puts in her first aid kit? Just like everyday people Jamie Lee has the basics such as a flashlight, first aid supplies, radio, dental floss, food and water.

She also taped a short video on ideas and general tips on what to put in an emergency kit so that you are prepared. Check it out and tell us what’s in your emergency first aid kit.

Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed.

Sources: Ready.gov, RedCross.org

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