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H1N1 Prepare & Prevent

Novel H1N1:

  • A new influenza causing illness in people
  • First detected in the USA in April 2009
  • Spreads from person to person world-wide
  • Spread is thought to occur in the same way the seasonal flu spreads
  • Illness has ranged from mild to severe
  • Flu viruses may infect others 1 day before getting sick and to 5 – 7 days after

Ways you won't get Swine Flu

While licking pig noses is not recommended, swine flu is NOT caught from pigs!

Prevention:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
  • Throw the tissue directly in the trash after use
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth; germs spread this way
  • Avoid close contact with sick individuals
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, before eating
  • Avoid hugging sick people and hand shaking
  • Alcohol - based hand cleaners are effective
  • If sick with flu like symptoms (body aches, cough, sore throat, fever > 100.0 F) CDC recommends that you stay home , avoid contact with others, wear a mask if outside room or around others, for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever - reducing medications.

 Hand Washing Technique According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control):

  • Wash hands with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds
  • If using alcohol – based hand sanitizer, rub hands together until the gel is dry; the gel does not need water to work; the alcohol kills the germs on your hands

Contamination and Cleaning:

  • Viruses can survive on environmental surfaces and infect individuals for 2 – 8 hours after being deposited on the surface (books, pens, doorknobs, desks, phones, computers)
  • Keep all surfaces clean by wiping them down with household disinfectant
  • The following kills influenza viruses: heat (167 F – 212 F), chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents, alcohol, household cleansers
  • CDC states that laundry, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately (eating utensils should be washed in a dishwasher and not by hand)

Warning Signs that Need Urgent Medical Attention:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

The CDC "Take Three Steps" To fight the Flu  Informational brochure from the CDC.

Information from CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) August 2009