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H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Information
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What is H1N1 (swine flu)?
H1N1 (commonly referred to as “swine
flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new
virus was first detected in people in April 2009 in the United States.
Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick
with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person,
probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses
spread.
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What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in
people?
The symptoms of this new influenza A H1N1
virus in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include
fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A
significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also
have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as
a result of illness associated with this virus.
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How severe is illness associated with this new H1N1
virus?
It’s not known at this time how severe
this virus will be in the general population. CDC is studying the medical histories
of people who have been infected with this virus to determine whether some
people may be at greater risk from infection, serious illness or
hospitalization from the virus. In seasonal flu, there are certain people
that are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes
young children, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions and
people 65 and older. It’s unknown at this time whether certain groups
of people are at greater risk of serious flu-related complications from
infection with this new virus. CDC also is conducting laboratory studies to
see if certain people might have natural immunity to this virus, depending
on their age.
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What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to
protect against this new H1N1 virus. There are everyday actions that can
help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like
influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- 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.
- Stay home if you are sick for 7 days
after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24
hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and
spreading the virus further.
Other important actions that you can take are:
- Follow public health advice regarding
school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- 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.
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What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus
through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with
other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill for 7
days or until your symptoms go away (whichever is longer). Cover your mouth
and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those
around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket.
Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your
hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
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What is the best technique for washing my hands to
avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect
you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand
cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm
water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not
available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be
used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel,
rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work;
the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
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Links to H1N1 Information
and Status Updates
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Return to the
Village of Lancaster OEM Home Page
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