Influenza A/H1N1 (Swine Flu) Resources

The Centers for Disease Control and Minnesota Department of Health provide ongoing updates and advice related to Influenza A/H1N1 (swine flu). Following are just a few of these recommendations with links to their websites for additional information.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

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.
Try to avoid close contact with individuals who may be ill.

Symptoms of H1N1
You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:

Fever (but not everyone with flu will have a fever)
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches
Headache
Chills
Fatigue
Sometimes, diarrhea and vomiting

If You Become Ill
If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school, and limit contact with others, except to get medical care, if needed. If you don't have a tissue when you cough or sneeze, use your elbow instead of your hands to cover your mouth and nose. If you use a tissue when coughing or sneezing, throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others.

If You Need to See a Provider
Contact your health care provider if you're concerned about flu-like symptoms. If you do not have a regular doctor, consider contacting a North Memorial Clinic. For serious symptoms, seek emergency care right away.

Contact your health care provider if you’re concerned about flu-like symptoms. If you do not have a regular doctor, consider contacting a North Memorial Clinic. For serious symptoms, seek emergency care right away.

For more information, visit the CDC website:
What to Do If You Get Sick: 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm

Minnesota FluLine now available
The Minnesota Department of Health has set up a hotline to offer support and treatment options for people with possible symptoms of influenza. Minnesotans with flu symptoms can call toll-free line at 1-866-259-4655.

Online Resources
The following organizations are trusted authorities on public health:
Centers for Disease Control
Minnesota Department of Health

Frequently asked questions about H1N1 influenza
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

Influenza Information from Minnesota Department of Health
http://www.health.state.mn.us/

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Resources for Parents and Caregivers www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/parents

H1N1 and Seasonal Flu information (multiple languages)
http://www.echominnesota.org/
Look for the link to "Know What to do About the Flu!" Most resources are available in 12 languages.