Prevention and Preparation
H1N1 flu is a respiratory disease caused by a new influenza virus. It spreads easily among humans, especially the young. No one, except those who have been infected, is immune. Flu viruses spread through the droplets that come from your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze. These tiny particles can be inhaled or transferred to others from surfaces such as TV remotes, doorknobs, telephones, toys and countertops.
Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Health experts are concerned that this virus may change and become more severe over time. Some individuals, including pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease, may be at greater risk for developing a severe illness from H1N1 flu. Pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions should contact their health care provider immediately when they have flu-like symptoms.
H1N1 flu virus infection can cause a wide range of symptoms including:
-Fever greater than 100° F/ Cough, sore throat, runny nose/ Aches, chills, fatigue/ diarrhea and vomiting
This season, there is a seasonal flu vaccine to protect against seasonal flu viruses and a 2009 H1N1 vaccine to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. A flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flu infection. Flu vaccine is available for the public through the Ottawa County Health Department. For more information, contact the health department at 392: 2822
Healthy Habits and Flu Prevention
H1N1 flu virus infection can cause a wide range of symptoms including:
-Fever greater than 100° F/ Cough, sore throat, runny nose/ Aches, chills, fatigue/ diarrhea and vomiting
This season, there is a seasonal flu vaccine to protect against seasonal flu viruses and a 2009 H1N1 vaccine to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. A flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flu infection. Flu vaccine is available for the public through the Ottawa County Health Department. For more information, contact the health department at 392: 2822
Healthy Habits and Flu Prevention
Preventing the spread of germs is the most effective way to combat the virus. This means protecting your own health and that of your family members through proper hand washing, cough etiquette, social distancing and staying home when sick.
1. Clean your hands frequently with soap and running water. Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer when soap and running water are not available.
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve if a tissue isn’t handy. Throw used tissues in the trash.
3. Frequently clean commonly used household surfaces.
4. Avoid crowds and large gatherings.
5. Stay home if you are sick and don’t send sick children to school or child care. Individuals should remain at home until they have remained fever free, without the use of fever reducing medications, for at least 24 hours.
6. To minimize the spread of infection among household members keep sick members away from others. Designate one person to care for those who are sick.
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve if a tissue isn’t handy. Throw used tissues in the trash.
3. Frequently clean commonly used household surfaces.
4. Avoid crowds and large gatherings.
5. Stay home if you are sick and don’t send sick children to school or child care. Individuals should remain at home until they have remained fever free, without the use of fever reducing medications, for at least 24 hours.
6. To minimize the spread of infection among household members keep sick members away from others. Designate one person to care for those who are sick.
Infection Prevention Through Education - OTTAWA COUNTY HEALTH CENTER
