How to avoid catching the flu
Flu spreads easily from person to person. You don't even have to feel sick to be contagious. Many people spread flu germs to others before their symptoms have even begun.

In an effort to protect our patients and staff, AnMed Health is asking the community to limit visits to our facilities during flu season.

• All visitors must be at least 19 years old.
• Hand sanitizer and surgical masks are available at entrances to help patients and visitors to prevent the spread of germs.

The best way to protect against the flu is to get your flu shot every year. The flu shot is approved for anyone older than six months, including women who are pregnant and people with chronic medical conditions.

Other healthy habits can help prevent the flu from spreading.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
• Stay home when you are sick. Do not return to work or school until you've been symptom-free for 24 hours.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve not your hands. Wash your hands often and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Take care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep, stay physically active, manageyour stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods.

What about H1N1?
H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza virus. This new virus was first detected in the United States in April 2009. H1N1 is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, in much the same way that seasonal flu viruses spread.

Illness with the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick recovered without needing medical treatment, there have been hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus.

The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you against H1N1, but it can prevent you from catching both seasonal and H1N1 flu at the same time. An H1N1 flu shot should be available later this fall. To learn more about H1N1 and the H1N1 vaccine, click here.