Protecting Yourself Against the H1N1 Flu

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are very similar to those of seasonal flu. In fact, it will be very hard to tell which kind of flu you have. Flu symptoms include fever or chills and cough or sore throat, and may expand to runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea or vomiting.

There are several important ways you can keep from getting the flu or, if you do get sick, keep from spreading the flu to others:

Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Use alcohol-based hand cleaners when washing your hands is not an option.
Practice "respiratory etiquette." Flu primarily spreads from person to person in droplets produced by coughs and sneezes. So it’s important that you cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough and sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not your hands.
Keep your hands away from your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Do not share drinks or utensils. Avoid "community food" that is unwrapped and exposed to groups of people.
Be cautious about close contact with others who are not well. Stay at least six feet away from those you observe coughing or sneezing, and avoid shaking their hands.
Talk to your health care provider about whether you should be vaccinated against the H1N1 virus when the vaccine becomes available. People at higher risk for H1N1 flu complications include
     o Pregnant women
     o Those who live with and care for children younger
        than six months of age
     o Healthcare and emergency services personnel
     o Those between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
     o Those between ages 24 and 65 who have chronic health
        conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease)
        or compromised immune systems
Stay home if you are sick for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever. Fever- and pain-reducing medications that contain acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Motrin) can help relieve flu symptoms.

Learn more about how to monitor your or your child’s flu symptoms from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.