Information About Swine Influenza
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
The United States is having an outbreak of novel H1N1 flu. Most cases of novel H1N1 flu in the United States have similar symptoms of seasonal flu. This virus spreads easily from person-to-person. Like seasonal flu, certain people may be at higher risk of severe illness including persons with certain chronic medical conditions, persons aged 65 or older, children younger than 5 years old, and pregnant women.
Common symptoms of novel H1N1 flu include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, diarrhea, and vomiting.
If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about your health:
- Avoid close contact with others.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Stay home or in your hotel room for 7 days after your symptoms begin, or at least 24 hours after symptoms are gone (whichever is longer) unless you need get medical care.
- If you have to go out, wear a mask or cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
- Do not travel.
People entering the United States who develop symptoms like those of novel H1N1 flu should report their illness to their health-care provider. Travelers to affected areas should be aware of the risk of novel H1N1 flu. Go to the CDC H1N1 Flu website for a list of affected areas.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
Influenza viruses are thought to spread mainly person-to-person when infected people cough or sneeze, but may also spread from touching an infected surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Here are some things you can do to decrease your risk of getting novel H1N1 flu (or other flu types) and prevent it from spreading:
- Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
- 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 gels are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home for 7 days after symptoms begin or at least 24 hours after symptoms are gone (whichever is longer). You should also limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Avoid contact with ill persons.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
- Stay informed. The resources below will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
Swine-Flu Information Resources:
Wisconsin's Pandemic Flu Response
Centers for Disease Control Website
Sun Prairie Area School District--Influenza Informational Update