Wisconsin Pandemic and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are great resources for detailed information regarding H1N1 Flu. Click on either of the links above to reach their websites.

Good Habits to Help Prevent Influenza (Flu) (From Wisconsin Pandemic Website)

Flu may spread from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches things others use.  Here are some simple things you can do to help protect yourself and your family from the flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.  If water is unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand gel (like Purell® or a store-brand).  Wash your hands before and after using the bathroom.
• Cleaning your hands is the single best step that can be taken to prevent the spread of influenza.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without first washing your hands.  Influenza spreads when a person touches items covered with virus and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.  Maintain at least 6 feet of distance.
• Disinfect items people frequently touch. This includes door knobs, toys, keyboards, faucets, remote controls, phones, and switches.  Use a household disinfectant or chlorine bleach mixture.

Chlorine Bleach Disinfectant Mixture: 

·        Mix ¼ cup store brand chlorine bleach AND 1 gallon of cool water.

·        Allow 10 minutes of contact on surface before wiping off.

·        Make fresh daily.

Get an influenza vaccination.  An annual influenza vaccination can reduce your risk of getting seasonal influenza during a pandemic.

Practice good health habits.  Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat properly.

Avoid smoking.  Smoking may increase the risk of serious complications from the flu.

If you travel to areas with bird flu, avoid live bird markets, farms or direct contact with birds or their secretions.