H1N1 Flu Prevention

Stay Healthy: Learn What You Can Do to Prevent the 2009 H1N1 Flu

2009 H1N1 (swine flu) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. Much like the traditional flu, the virus spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing. People may also become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following actions to protect your health*:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• 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 a flu-like illness, 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.
• Ask your doctor about the 2009 H1N1 vaccine availability.

The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available this fall. The CDC recommends that pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel, people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages 25 through 64 years with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems get vaccinated.

*For the most up-to-date information on the H1N1 flu, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.