Archive Index / Volusia County Health Department Teams Up With Movie Theatre To Offer Flu Prevention Tips (posted: 10/7/11)

Source: Volusia County Health Department
Contact: Stefany Strong, Public Information Officer

 

DAYTONA BEACH - October marks the beginning of a new flu season. In a creative partnership with Regal Ormond Beach 12 and Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center, the health department has setup a display to provide information regarding influenza and the preventative measures that can be taken throughout the flu season. Regal Ormond Beach 12 is showing a movie called Contagion which features a lethal pandemic quickly spreading as the medical community races to find a vaccine and people struggle to survive.

The health department is providing brochures containing information about proper hand-washing techniques, the flu virus and its symptoms, and preventative measures that can help reduce the risk of contracting influenza. Also available is pocket hand sanitizer, as well as fun educational coloring books and stickers for children. All material regarding the flu is available in the Regal Ormond Beach 12 lobby.

"This is the beginning of flu season and we strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated for protection against influenza," said Dr. Bonnie J. Sorensen, director of the Volusia County Health Department. "We want to do everything we can to help the public understand the risks of influenza and prevent it.”

Flu prevention tips:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you or your children are sick with flu–like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except if you need medical care.
• Get re-vaccinated EVERY YEAR.

For more information regarding the flu virus, the flu vaccine or any preventative measures that can be taken to help reduce the risk of flu, please contact the Volusia County Health Department or visit our website at www.volusiahealth.com.

Additional websites include: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/immune/flu/flu_locator.htm or http://www.doh.state.fl.us/.