H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)
With all the conflicting information regarding the H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu), the DuPage County Health Department advises to avoid rumors and to get the facts @ www.protectdupage.org or www.flu.gov or by calling the H1N1 Hotline at (630) 221-7600.
The DuPage County Health Department further encourages everyone to practice the following Good Health Habits to reduce the spread of the flu.
- Know the signs and symptoms of the flu: 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired. Contact your physician with medical questions or concerns.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Do not share eating utensil, drinking containers, telephones, keyboards without cleaning or sanitizing first.
- Stay home from work, school, public gathering and errands when you are sick for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever (without use of a fever-reducing medication).
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (or your upper sleeve) when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue away.
- Wash you hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaner are also effective.
- Avoid touching you eyes nose or mouth.
- Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
- Get vaccinated for the seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 flu when vaccines are available.