America Grapples with Flu Vaccine Shortage
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Pascale Krumm receives a flu vaccine from CDC Staff Nurse, Mollie McDonald-Waldron at a CDC "open house" in 2003
NPR health editor Joe Neel answers some frequently asked questions about the flu vaccine shortage.
The CDC says if you can't get vaccinated for the flu, handwashing and good respiratory hygiene are good ways to avoid the flu and colds.
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Handwashing Tips
· First wet your hands and apply liquid or clean bar soap. Place the bar soap on a rack and allow it to drain.
· Next rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces.
· Continue for 10-15 seconds or about the length of a little tune. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs.
· Rinse well and dry your hands
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Respiratory Hygiene
· Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.
· Keep fingers out of your mouth, nose and eyes.
· Never share toothbrushes, towels, drinking glasses and utensils.
· Avoid other people when you are ill with the cold or flu.
Source: CDC, 2004
