More than 60 confirmed human cases of the H1N1 flu, often called swine flu, have been identified in the United States. Michigan has two probable cases that are being analyzed by the CDC.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
There are everyday actions you can take to stay healthy.
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Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
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Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
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If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
If you feel well: Healthy residents living in areas where cases are being confirmed should take everyday
preventive actions. There is no vaccine available for H1N1 Flu at this time.
If you are ill: Individuals who are sick with influenza-like illness (fever and one or two of the following: cough, sore throat, runny nose) are reminded to take
standard measures to limit spread of disease such as frequent hand washing, covering their cough and avoiding going to work, school, or other settings where they could infect others. Individuals should consult with their primary medical provider if their symptoms are not being managed effectively with over-the-counter medications or if they have other medical conditions such as pregnancy or chronic illness. If you become ill within seven (7) days of having traveled to Mexico, or locations in the United States and Canada where confirmed cases have occurred, you should take all of the above measures and consult with your primary care physician to determine if you need testing or treatment.
If you become ill at work: As is generally recommended, individuals who note the onset of influenza-like illness while at work should take measures to prevent the spread of disease such as leaving work in order to limit the potential exposure to others, cover their coughs and reinforce hand hygiene.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Department of Health and Human Services
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides answers to some of the most frequent questions about the H1N1 flu.
Department of Homeland Security – Joint Press Briefing on H1N1 Influenza
Transcript of the April 26 press briefing with officials from the Department of Homeland Security, Centers for Disease Control, and the White House.
Department of Agriculture – USDA Outreach Efforts
Includes statements by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack regarding USDA outreach efforts regarding H1N1 flu and frequently asked questions
Department of State – Travel Alerts
Travel Alert to Mexico (4/27/09)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Provides the latest information about the WHO’s global response to H1N1 influenza outbreaks