H1N1 Flu Information

For more comprehensive information about the treatment and prevention of H1NI, consult the following resources:

• H1N1 Questions and Answers
• Find out the facts and dispel some myths about the H1N1 (Swine) Flu.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, face masks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.

• People at high risk for flu complications who become ill with flu-like illness should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible. Early treatment with antiviral medications often can prevent hospitalizations and deaths. Groups that are at higher risk of complications from flu if they get sick include: children younger than age 5, people age 65 or older, children and adolescents (younger than age 18) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reyes syndrome after flu virus infection, pregnant women, adults and children who have asthma (other chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular or metabolic disorders such as diabetes) and adults and children with immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV). People age 65 and older, however, appear to be at lower risk of 2009 H1N1 infection compared to younger people. But if older adults do get sick from flu, they are at an increased risk of having a severe illness.
• One of the best ways to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated against the flu. People under age 25 are one of the key groups recommended by CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to be among the first to receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine. For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination.
• Communicate with local health officials to determine where the vaccine will be administered.