SWINE FLU TIPS FROM THE AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION
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The first shipments of H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine are arriving in medical centers this week and the American Lung Association has a few tips on how families can protect themselves from all forms of flu this season.

First, find a vaccination center close to you by using the American Lung Association special website, Flu Clinic Locator – www.flucliniclocator.org . 

Second, the Lung Association helped rid the country of tuberculosis in the 1900s through the sale of Christmas Seals used on holiday greeting cards.  The emphasis is now on healthy lungs, which includes combating asthma, second-hand smoke, flu and other threats to health.  Donations to the Christmas Seals program (www.christmasseals.org ) directly fund research, awareness and treatment centers to fight lung disease.

Here are three ways families can stay healthy this winter:

· Wash your hands often with soap and water and avoid teaching your eyes, nose or mouth.

·  Try to avoid contact with sick people as this is how the flu spreads.

·  Stay at home if you are sick. The ALA recommends that you stay home from work for 7 days after the symptoms begin; or until clear of the symptoms for 24 hours. Symptoms include coughing and fever.