H1N1 Flu Update

As the district Pandemic Response Team continues to collaborate with the San Diego County Health Department in preparing for potential outbreaks of both seasonal and H1N1 flu within our community and schools, we would like to remind everyone of the simple things we can do to prevent and decrease transmission of both kinds of flu. Here are the current guidelines endorsed by both state and local health department and school officials:

• Do not go to work or school if ill with flu-like symptoms, such as fever more than 100 degrees, cough, sore throat, chills and body aches. Remain home and stay away from large gatherings until your fever and symptoms have been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, such as Tylenol.
• Cover all coughs and sneezes with a tissue, shirt sleeve or inner elbow to avoid transmitting the virus through your hands.
• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  

Check with your doctor or the local health department about getting yourself and your children vaccinated against both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. (The H1N1 vaccine should be available in November.)

For more information, please visit the County Health Department H1N1 website or call the district Nursing and Wellness Program at (858) 627-7580.

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