While the 2009 H1N1 virus continues to dominate headlines, many U.S. adults still have questions about seasonal flu, including prevention steps and the effectiveness of the vaccine, according to a recent survey from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). Additionally, a separate survey from The Clorox Company found that nearly half of adults believe that the 2009 H1N1 virus is the same as seasonal flu.

“It’s no secret that this year’s flu season is complicated. With multiple vaccines, we want to help families easily understand the right steps to help prevent the spread of the flu,” said Heather McKenzie, RN, Visiting Nurse Associations of America’s Senior Director of Clinical Education and Quality Initiatives.

Seasonal flu is a serious infection – it is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths for children, killing on average 100 American children less than five years old every year and hospitalizing over 20,000. Vaccination is the first step in flu prevention. In fact, last year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded their flu vaccination recommendations to include all children from 6 months through 18 years old.

Take Prevention Steps at Home
Some flu vaccine manufacturers are reporting a delay in their shipments of seasonal flu vaccine, meaning it might take a little longer than usual for the vaccination to be available in some areas. This makes it even more important to practice these other simple steps to help prevent the spread of the seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses in the home:

• Wash Hands Frequently: Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
• Disinfect Germ Hot Spots: Disinfect the surfaces kids touch most frequently – like doorknobs, faucets or plastic toys.
• Do the Elbow Cough: Cough and sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands to help prevent the spread of germs from touch.
• Follow Good Health Guidelines: Eat right, exercise and get plenty of sleep to help boost your body’s ability to fight the effects of colds and the flu.

Help Your Family Say “Boo!” to the Flu this Halloween
To increase the number of families vaccinated against seasonal flu and educate parents on other flu prevention steps, the Visiting Nurse Associations of America, Families Fighting Flu and The Clorox Company teamed up again for Say “Boo!” to the Flu. The family-friendly program is larger than ever this year and even offers an updated, comprehensive online flu resource.

Online at www.SayBooToTheFlu.com, parents can take a pledge to vaccinate their families and help spread prevention in their communities. They can also find out where they can get vaccinated in their areas and get up-to-the minute information to help navigate this flu season, including news updates from the CDC.

“My wife and I didn’t realize how important one flu vaccination could be until we lost our daughter, Amanda, to the seasonal flu,” said Richard Kanowitz, President of Families Fighting Flu. “We are committed to educating parents about the importance of getting their families vaccinated against both the seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 virus. I urge all parents to visit www.SayBooToTheFlu.com, pledge to help their families stay healthier this flu season and find out if there is a flu vaccination event in their area.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent