H1N1 has been our first pandemic flu since....? I actually don't remember the last pandemic flu we have had. This strain of the flu was first detected in individuals in the US this past April, and with its' growth in areas around the world the World Health Organization (WHO) gave it the pandemic label in June of 2009. However, even with this scary label of "pandemic," this illness does not have to be fatal if we take some simple and logical precautions.

First, and foremost, the flu virus remains alive and active for anywhere between 2 to 8 hours after contamination. That means that any surface in your home can stay infected with either the H1N1 flu or seasonal flu for that period of time. How many people touch your doorknob in an 8-hour period of time? How many of those individuals fall into the risk categories?  

Many of the households in the United States have children or elderly living in them, and these are the family members we need to protect the most. Here is a list of the most common and effective ways to prevent the flu virus from contaminating your home: 

• First and foremost it is important to have frequent hand washing with soap and warm water for a minimum of 20 seconds at a pop. If frequent hand washing is unrealistic, such as in the workplace, it is important to always have a hand sanitizer handy to use in between hand washings. 
• Try to keep children from touching their eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible to prevent germ contamination from their hands and fingers. 
• Be vigilant about wiping down all hard surfaces, especially those in common areas, with a household disinfectant at the highest potency deemed safe. Pay special attention to remember areas in bedrooms and bathrooms in addition to family rooms and kitchens. Not only will you be killing unsafe and pesky germs, your home will smell lemon fresh! 
• Dispose of any tissues used during the illness immediately after use and wash your hands thoroughly after contact with them.

If unfortunately you have contracted either the H1N1 or seasonal flu, it is best to have healthy family members, if possible, care for your children or elderly relatives. If you are sick, and unfortunately have no one else to care for your children, please follow these simple guidelines to protect your children's health.  

• Wear a face mask over your mouth and nose to prevent the spread of germs from coughing. 
• Wash hands frequently. 
• Do not touch yours or your children's eyes, nose, or mouth. 
• If you are breastfeeding an infant, do not quit, as no known passing of the virus has been detected through breast milk. Just make sure that your skin is clean and sanitary for your baby prior to feeding.  

Remember, the flu season is here and can be dangerous; however, it can be managed if you decide to remain vigilant and alert to the potential dangers around you and your loved ones.

This article has been featured at Ezine Articles and can be seen at: http://EzineArticles.com/?id=3304048.