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Stop the Spread of H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus  

In April 2009, the novel H1N1 flu (referred to as “swine flu” early on) was first detected in people in the United States. This was a new virus that health officials knew very little about and the outbreak intensified rapidly in just a few weeks. Travel advisories were issued, schools closed, and a lot of information was released about the number of cases and rising death count

While the media attention has decreased over the summer, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local health officials have continued to monitor cases and study pandemic flu trends.

History, over the past century, has shown that a pandemic flu frequently returns a short time later with a higher number of cases and the potential to be more severe. As kids return to school, campaigns are beginning nationwide to educate parents, businesses and the community how to reduce your chance of getting sick and limiting the spread of the virus.

• 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 quicker this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC/IDPH recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, except to get medical care or for other necessities. Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

• Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.