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H1N1 Flu And You

Prevent and protect swine flu from infecting those around you.


By now we all know that human infections with the H1N1 virus are ongoing in the United States.  The CDC has determined that the virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human the same way that the seasonal flu spreads.


Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza.  People can also become infected by touching something, like a surface or object, with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.


Symptoms of H1N1 include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, chills and fatigue.  A significant number of people who have been infected have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.  Severe illnesses and even death has occured as a result of illness associated with the virus.  Illness has ranged from mild to severe.  Some recover without needing medical treatment, others require hospitalization.  "High risk" people include those 65 years and older, children under 5, pregnant women and people with certain chronic medical conditions.  People infected with seasonal and H1N1 flu may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after.  This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems.


Prevent yourself from getting sick with these everyday steps:
•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 hand cleaners* are also effective.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
•Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
•If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.


For more information visit the CDC's website.

Source: www.cdc.gov/