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Swine Flu Information

Release Date: April 27, 2009
Flu Information and those at Risk for Swine Flu

Please notethe following persons may be at risk for Swine Flu:

Individuals who have been where swine flu was documented in animals and/or humans.

  • An individual with a history of travel to an area where severe respiratory infections have been identified, for example, Mexico.
  • Those with close contact (within 6 ft.) of an ill patient who was confirmed or suspected of having swine flu.
  • Those with close contact (within 6 ft) of an ill patient who has traveled to California, Texas or Mexico.
  • Recent exposure to pigs.
  • Work with live influenza and viruses in a laboratory.

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.  There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu. 

Practice these guidelines:

1. Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3. Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminates with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutrituous food.

Printable Materials for Promoting Good Health Habits are available from the CDC:

*Cover Your Cough
*Be a Germ Stopper: Health Habits Keep You Well
*Flu Prevention Toolkit: Real People. Real Solutions
*Stopping the Spread of Germs at Home, Work & School

Content Source: Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases (CCID)
National Center of Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)