HealthBridge's In-Home Care Blog

As a Dallas Elder Care Provider, we're particularly concerned with the threat of Swine Flu.  Since news broke that the first death in America occurred yesterday in Texas, we've received numerous requests for guidance on prevention.

"Federal health officials in the United States place home-based care at the center of a planned response to pandemic flu," writes Michael Reinemer, Vice President, American Association for Homecare.  Because of our integral role in the process, we've compiled the following resources for our clients and community:

The CDC's List, "What You Can Do to Stay Healthy"

• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, face masks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.

New Swine Flu information is being released several times daily.  Here are the best sources for up to the minute news:

• Center for Disease Control's Swine Flu Website
• Dallas Morning News Swine Flu Survival Guide 
• Wikipedia's 2009 Swine Flu Outbreak Page

What precautions have you taken?