• H1N1 (swine flu) home
• What can I do?
• Where can I get vaccinated?
• Flu facts
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This page was last updated:
March 25, 2010

What can I do?

- Get vaccinated for H1N1 and seasonal flu.
- Prevent catching and spreading germs.
- Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home.

Get vaccinated for H1N1 and seasonal flu

Dr. Mike Farber and his family received H1N1 intra-nasal vaccine at an October vaccine clinic.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent catching and spreading flu. H1N1 vaccine is available for anyone who wants it and is offered at provider offices, clinics, and pharmacies throughout the region.

• Find a vaccine location near you.

Although anyone can receive the vaccine, people in priority groups are especially encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they can.

Seasonal flu
Seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against H1N1 influenza. More information on seasonal flu >

Prevent catching and spreading germs

People spread the H1N1 virus to each other mainly through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with H1N1 virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Health officials recommend the following precautions to reduce the spread of H1N1 as well as other influenza and cold viruses:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Remain at home until you are free from fever (100 degrees or higher) for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

More information

• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces (PDF)
  (English) (Russian) (Spanish)
• Stop germs poster (PDF)
  (English) (Russian) (Spanish)

Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home

You may have to say at home for a week or so; a supply of over-the counter medicines, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, tissues and other related items might be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

• What to do if you get sick - decision chart (PDF) - (English) (Russian) (Spanish) Use the guidelines in this chart to make the best decision about care for yourself and your loved ones.
  
• Home care tips for H1N1 (PDF)
  (English) (Russian) (Spanish)