As of Monday; there are three confirmed cases of Swine Flu, H1N1, in Bay County - one 2 year old female, one 5 month old female, and one adult male in his 20s.
According to the Bay County Health Dept., the risk to the general population to be low, however, the Bay County Health Department is monitoring the situation and working with local healthcare providers, government, businesses, schools and community partners to inform the community about basic prevention steps.
Practice Good Hygiene & Stay Home When Sick
• Stay home for 7 days when sick: The most important step that you can take to control the spread of disease is to stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. Stay home for seven days after your symptoms begin.
• Avoid close contact: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Cover your mouth and nose: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Then, throw away the tissue. If you don’t have a tissue, cough into your sleeve. This may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Clean your hands: Washing your hands often, as described below, is the best way to stop the spread of germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth: Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Wash Your Hands the Right Way
1.) Rub your hands vigorously and scrub under nails.
2.) Wash for 20 seconds – about the time it takes you to sing the Happy Birthday twice.
3.) Use a paper towel to turn off the water and open the bathroom door. Throw away the paper towel.
4.) If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers.
If You or a Loved One is Sick
If you or your loved ones become sick, call your doctor, or an urgent care facility. Your doctor will know the best treatment for you and your family.
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