FOX News Online: Here’s How to Prevent Cold and Flu From Spreading Throughout Your Household
FOX News Online recently interviewed Santhosh Nadipuram, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist with Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's, about how to stay healthy while living with someone who has a cold or the flu.
Nadipuram told FOX News Online that covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands frequently, getting annual flu shots, and not sharing food and drinks all help prevent the spread of germs.
“Flu has a 25% attack rate, meaning that for everyone who gets it, a quarter of people who are in close contact will get it,” Nadipuram told FOX News Online.
Nadipuram added that people who are sick should avoid contact with those in the home who have a higher risk of severe illness, including babies under 6 months old or adults over age 65 and those who are pregnant or immuno-suppressed.
“If you have someone in the home who is at high risk for severe infection, the ill person can isolate in a well-ventilated room with minimal contact until their cough and sneezing are very diminished, and they can wear a mask if they need to interact with other family members in a closed room,” Nadipuram told FOX News Online. “For little kids, they should be able to ‘control’ their secretions, meaning any runny noses should be minimal, so the child or parent/caregiver can easily clean them, throw away the paper napkin and clean their hands.”
Nadipuram told FOX News Online that people should seek out medical care as needed.
“Speak with your doctor if you have any worries and ask for guidance,” he said, “especially if you feel your symptoms are concerning or severe.”
Click here to read the complete article from FOX News Online.