Monitoring self, family is key in preventing spread of disease Published Sept. 12, 2009 By 1st. Lt. Melissa Peters 42nd Medical Group MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- When caring for sick individuals, it is important to keep yourself and others well. Follow these tips from the Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, to ensure your loved ones get well soon, while minimizing the chance that you become ill yourself. First, keep the sick individual away from others as much as possible. It is best to separate them from common areas of the house. Consider making them comfortable in a spare bedroom, preferably one with its own bathroom, if available. Make sure to keep them hydrated with clear fluids and remind them to cover their coughs and sneezes. Additionally, try to avoid close contact (6 feet or less) with the sick individual and restrict visitors to an absolute minimum. Pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions should not be caregivers for those ill with influenza due to their increased risk. Also, sick family members should not care for infants if at all possible. High risk groups, such as these, could experience more significant complications if exposed to H1N1. Remember to wash your hands often and ensure that surfaces are cleaned frequently. Linens, eating utensils, and dishes used by those who are sick should not be shared and should be cleaned thoroughly. The most important tip to remember is to reduce the spread of illness. Make sure to monitor yourself and others in the household for symptoms and contact your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms. For additional information, please contact the Medical Group's Influenza Hotline at 953-4FLU (4358).