Red Cross Provides 3 Tips
for
Keeping Away the Flu
and
Stresses Preparedness
As Westchester County‘s Department of Health
and other agencies continue to monitor the swine flu,
the American Red Cross in Westchester County would
like to remind people of 3 easy steps to avoid even the
common flu . This also presents a good opportunity for families, businesses and schools to review their preparedness plan.
The Red Cross has many programs for all ages to Prepare Westchester.
Wash hands often- Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds.
- When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. Rub your hands until the gel is dry. The alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Get a Kit
- Make a Plan
- Be Informed
Prepare Westchester is a free presentation available for groups, workplaces, or schools on how to Be Red Cross Ready for any emergency or disaster.
The American Red Cross in Westchester County also brings good hand washing and hygiene skills to children through its Scrubby Bear program for pre-k through first grade.
To schedule a Red Cross program, please contact the Westchester County Chapter at 914-946-6500 or explore our website.
Important Resources
| 1-800-808-1987 | New York State Department of Health hotline |
| westchestergov.com/health | The Westchester County Department of Health |
| westchestercounty.redcross.org | American Red Cross in Westchester County |
| cdc.gov | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |