We can beat H1N1 flu

The H1N1 "swine flu" virus has invaded Amherst, but that doesn't necessarily mean it has to conquer you.

Health officials are urging those in the categories most at risk of complications due to H1N1 to get the H1N1 vaccine. Those most at risk include children and young adults ages six months to 24 years old, pregnant women, persons age 25 to 64 with underlying respiratory conditions or compromised immunity, and caregivers and those who live with children less than six months old.

But availability of the H1N1 vaccine has been spotty, so we would urge readers to take some common sense steps to prevent the spread of the virus. The first among these is to wash hands frequently.

The H1N1 virus can lurk on surfaces for hours after being touched by a carrier with the virus on his or her hands. Touching an infected doorknob and then touching one's mouth or eyes can infect you; washing hands frequently lessens the chance of such a transmittal.

For those experiencing flu-like symptoms, we urge you to stay at home to keep from infecting the rest of us. The company will survive without you better than if you infected five other people who then have to call in sick.

Common sense goes a long way in preventing the spread of H1N1. We would hope common sense is not a rare commodity among our readers.