H1N1 flu virus is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms similar to those of the regular human seasonal influenza.
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, fatigue and lack of appetite.
Help prevent the spread of pandemic H1N1 influenza virus.
· If ill, stay home from work, school and avoid public places.
· One of the best ways to prevent influenza is to get the influenza vaccine every year.
o A vaccine for the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus is expected to be available by November 2009.
· Clean hands frequently, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
· Cough or sneeze into your sleeve rather than your hand.
· Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after shaking hands or touching hard surfaces like counters and door handles or other surfaces that may contain influenza and other viruses.
· Stay at least two metres (six feet) away from people who are experiencing influenza-like symptoms. This is called social distancing and includes staying away from crowds when influenza is circulating in the community
· Other steps to keep yourself healthy include:
- Healthy eating;
- Maintaining an active lifestyle; and,
- Getting enough rest and sleep.
