What You Should Know About H1N1 Flu
The new H1N1 influenza virus, referred to as swine flu during the initial breakout, caused a recent global outbreak. Researchers believe it spreads the same way that seasonal flu spreads -- from person to person through coughing or sneezing. it also can spread when people touch infected surfaces and then touch their noses or mouths. Symptoms include sore throat, headache, chills and fatigue. diarrhea and vomiting also can occur. Protect yourself and your family by taking the following precautions:
- Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you don't have soap and water.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Put the tissue in the trash.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.- Keep surfaces clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant.
- Don't get too close to people who are sick. Those who have this flu are considered contagious starting one day before they show symptoms and up to seven or more days afterward.
Find a Doctor
Be ready -- for updates on H1N1 flu, please visit www.FortDuncanMedicalCenter.com.
Wilma Carbonel-Mason, MSHCA, BSN, CCRN
Chief Nursing Officer
This article is brought to you by the Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center Trauma Team. The Trauma Team provides educational articles for every issue of Health News.
