The Flu Virus
A Message from BALANCE and Facts about the Flu.
In an effort to protect our Participants and the BALANCE Staff, if you experience flu symptoms, we ask that you please call the office immediately to cancel your appointments. Also we may call you to see how you are feeling before we come to see you.
Please read these facts below. If you would like further information about the H1N1 or Avian flu virus or the the SARS virus, please call 1-800-454-8302, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tips to Help You and Others Stay Healthy
All flu viruses can spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing or by touching objects or surfaces with flu viruses on them and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. The virus can live on your hands for five minutes and on surfaces for up to two days.
Good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of all flu viruses. Wash your hands, your finger nails, between fingers, wrists and a few inches up your arms with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. When out of the house, carry disposable tissues and alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. When you cough or sneeze cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and throw it out. Avoid large crowds of people where viruses can spread easily. Stay home when you are sick. Keep surfaces that you touch with your hands – like keyboards, countertops and telephones, clean and disinfected.
If you are pregnant, have heart or lung disease, are receiving treatments for diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, or anything that may compromise your immune system and you experience flu symptoms, call your doctor.
H1N1 flu symptoms are like the regular seasonal flu with fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. If you feel sick call your health care provider or Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000. They can help you and tell you what to do.
Caring for Yourself
- drink lots of fluids, avoiding drinks with caffeine or alcohol
- avoid using tobacco
- take basic pain or fever relievers like Aspirin or ASA
- take a warm bath; apply heat for short periods of time using a hot water bottle
- gargle with a glass of warm water or suck on hard candy
- use saline drops or spray for a stuffy nose
Emergency Preparedness Kit
Emergency Preparedness Kit -- Listen to Audio file
It is recommended everyone should always have an emergency preparedness plan in place, even when there is not a risk of flu. This should include having the 72 hour emergency survival kit in your home. If you would like more information about this, please call 1-800-622-6232.