H1N1 influenza Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus that was first detected in April 2009. The virus has sparked an outbreak of illness throughout the world.
Experts at the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe that the H1N1 flu spreads in the same way that regular
seasonal influenza viruses spread - mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus.
The CDC has identified groups who are at increased risk from novel H1N1 influenza:
- Children aged less than 5 years , particularly those less than 2 years of age;
- Women who are pregnant ;
- Adults and children who have chronic health conditions including chronic lung problems such as asthma, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and certain blood diseases;
- Adults and children who have a lowered immune system from medications or chronic health conditions such as HIV;
- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
Dakota County Public Health Department Director Bonnie Brueshoff recommends that residents "continue to follow the everyday steps to protect you and your family’s health and lessen the spread of this new virus: Stay home if you’re sick, cover your cough, wash your hands frequently and limit your contact with people who you think might be sick. And be sure to get your seasonal and H1N1 flu shots when they are available.”
What you can do to stay healthy:
- Stay informed:
- 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.
- Be prepared in case you get sick.
- If you don’t have one yet, consider developing a family emergency plan as a precaution. Further information can be found in CDC's Flu Planning Checklist .
- To eliminate the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious, gather in advance a supply of essential items, such as food, over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, surface disinfectants, a thermometer, and tissues.
- Stay home if you get sick.
- The symptoms of this new 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.
- If you have flu-like symptoms , the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Follow public health advice regarding minimizing social contact at schools, summer camp programs , and childcare .
- Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety: