Get It Straight Orthodontists Ask for Help During the Flu Season in Pittsford and Macedon, NY

The flu bug ran rampant in 2009 and is still infecting many in 2010 throughout country. Cold and flu season usually starts in the fall.  However, in 2009 it started much earlier than usual.  The first documented cases of the flu were reported in late summer.  In the Rochester, NY area, we have been very lucky with minimal outbreak of the H1N1 flu in comparison to other areas of the country.   

The Get it Straight orthodontists and  team are taking extra precautions to help curb the spread of germs and asking patients and parents to help. For the protection of all patients and our staff, we continue to stress the importance of rescheduling patient appointments if you or your child have any symptoms of illness that can infect others when visiting our office.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, we spend a great deal of time and attention on sanitation and sterilization in both our locations in Pittsford and Macedon, NY.  We follow all guidelines for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces to protect our patients and their families in our care.

Maintaining and protecting your home environment is also important during flu season. You may never have thought about it, but bacteria breeds on toothbrushes. Here are a few tips to follow to help protect you and your family at home:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing and flossing your teeth. 
• Allow toothbrushes to air dry out on the counter after each use.  Oxygen kills bacteria found on toothbrushes.
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace a toothbrush after every cold or flu bout of each family member or every 2-3 months when bristles appear worn.

Hope this helps and give us a call if you have any questions! Stay healthy! 

Let us know if you have any suggestions on how to protect each other during cold and flu season.  Leave a comment below.