Modesto Bee Article

Bee Staff Reports
last updated: June 29, 2009


AP - Scientist Jie Fu demonstrates one of the steps involved in identifying H1N1, also known as swine flu, at the New York City Public Health Laboratory in New York, Sunday, May 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Swine flu, though not the headline-maker it was a few weeks ago, remains a concern. But Stanislaus County health officials say most cases seen in California have been mild.

The county health department posted an item on The Bee's moms site, www.modmoms.com, recommending people take precautions but also use common sense when it comes to the flu, swine or otherwise.

In a normal year, season influenza has run its course by summertime, to be replaced by the occasional summer cold and allergies. This year, health officials are still seeing see occurrences of the flu in the form of Novel H1N1, or swine flu.

The health department recommends people help prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses by:

- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Throw the tissue away immediately after using.

- Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

- Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick with the flu, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Germs spread this way.