HHS HealthBeat (December 20, 2010)

Who needs this for Christmas?

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

The Grinch has nothing on the person who arrives at the holiday festivities with the flu and gives it to everybody else. If people remember nothing else they got for Christmas, they’ll remember that.

At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Phyllis Kozarsky:

``If you get sick, stay home as much as possible except to get medical care, if needed. One sick relative at a family gathering can pass the flu to the rest of the family.’’ (10 seconds)

With everybody traveling, partying and getting the family together, conditions are excellent to spread the virus. Dr. Kozarsky also says the best flu prevention is the flu vaccination. But she says washing your hands a lot can control viral spread. So can covering your mouth with a tissue – or your arm – when you sneeze.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: May 7, 2011