- Stay informed and follow public health advice. Visit www.azdhs.gov and www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu websites for more information.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- 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 hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin, or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, except to seek medical care or for other necessities. If you are sick and sharing a common space with others in your home, wear a facemask if possible, to help prevent spreading the virus.
· Symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Symptoms may also include diarrhea and vomiting.
· It is expected that most people will recover without needing medical care. However, those who have severe illness or are at high risk for flu complications, should contact their health care provider or seek medical care.
· Those at higher risk of severe flu complications include people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. People with asthma and diabetes, also appear to be associated with increased risk of complications.
© 2009
