Avoiding contagious diseases like the common cold, strep throat, and the flu is important to everyone. Here are five easy things you can do:
1. Wash your hands frequently using soap and warm water. Rub your hands really well for at least 15 seconds. Always clean your hands before touching or eating food and after you use the bathroom, take out the trash, change a diaper, visit someone who is ill, or play with a pet. We ask all visitors to use antibacterial foam located in every room as they enter a room and as they exit.
2. Many diseases are spread through sneezes and coughs. When you sneeze or cough, the germs can travel 3 feet or more! Please cover your mouth and nose to prevent the spread of infection to others. Keep tissues handy at home, work and in your pocket. Be sure to throw away used tissues and then clean your hands.
3. If you are sick, stay away from other people. Stay home if you have a fever. Call work or school and let them know you are sick. Avoid contact with others such as shaking hands.
4. Make sure that your immunizations are current – even for adults. Check with your doctor about immunizations you may need.
These steps can help prevent the spread of colds, the flu, and many other diseases.
Help Stop the Spread of MRSA
(Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)
“Staph” is a type of bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. You can have this without causing an infection. At other times this bacteria does cause infections. Staph infections often appear as a pimple or boil on the skin and are treated without antibiotics. But, if left untreated, the staph infection can get worse and spread to the bloodstream or lungs causing serious illness. MRSA is a staph bacterium that is resistant to certain antibiotics. This makes treating the infection more difficult. Anyone can get a MRSA infection. It is more common in hospitals and nursing homes where people have a weaker immune system but it is now becoming common in the community as well.
Influenza Vaccination Information
Who should get flu vaccines?
Flu vaccine is recommended to all persons 6 months of age and over, including healthy adults. It is especially important to get a flu vaccine if you are:
• 6 months through 18 years of age
• 50 years and older
• Pregnant or just had a baby
• Morbidly obese
• Living in a nursing home or long-term care home
• Living with a weakened immune system or chronic medical condition (diabetes, heart or lung disease)
• Living with or caring for someone who is more likely to have flu complications
• A healthcare provider
What is the cost to get flu vaccines?
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is offering flu vaccines at no charge to people who don’t have health insurance or whose healthcare provider does not offer flu vaccines. If you have health insurance, please contact your regular health care provider or insurance provider.
• Visit: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip/flu/FluLocatorMain.htm to find a location near you
• DIAL 2-1-1 for more information and current clinic schedules