Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases - Missouri ...

PREVENTION/CONTROL
July 2011
Annual influenza vaccinations are recommended for:
- All children 6 months to 18 years of age.
- All adults 50 years and older.
- Anyone 6 months of age and older with chronic health conditions.
People who care for children less than 5 years of age (especially for
children under 6 months of age).
In addition, flu vaccine can be given to anyone else who wishes to reduce the
likelihood of becoming ill with influenza. The vaccine is usually given in the
late fall. People who were not vaccinated in the fall may be vaccinated any
time during the influenza season. For current recommendations check the
MDHSS website at:
http://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/influenza/
� Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or
cough/sneeze into your sleeve. Dispose of used tissues.
� Regular and thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread
of communicable diseases. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm
running water after contact with secretions from the nose or mouth or handling
used tissues.
� Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
� While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting
them.
� Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them.
� Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces (door knobs, refrigerator
handle, water faucets, cupboard handles, and computer keyboards) at least
daily. (See pgs 35-41)
� Clean and sanitize mouthed objects and surfaces at least daily and when soiled.
(See pgs 35-41)
� DO NOT allow sharing of anything that goes into the mouth such as drinking
cups, straws, water bottles, and eating utensils.
� Stay home if you are ill. Encourage parents/guardians to keep ill children at
home.
During pandemic influenza additional recommendations
� A flu (influenza) pandemic is an outbreak caused by a new human flu virus that
spreads around the world. Because the pandemic flu virus will be new to people,
many people could get very sick or could die. Seasonal flu shots do not protect
people from pandemic flu.
� Antiviral medication may be used for the prevention or treatment of influenza.
During a pandemic the Department of Health and Senior Services has a limited
supply of medication that will be used according to Missouri’s Influenza Plan.
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