H1N1 & Seasonal Flu Information

Be Prepared This Flu Season

Flu season has arrived and there are a few things you can do to keep yourself - and your family - safe.

  • Be sure to frequently wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with alcohol-based gel.
  • Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Sneeze or cough into your elbow if you don't have a tissue. Do not reuse tissues.
  • Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes after touching common surfaces like doorknobs.

You should get the H1N1 vaccine if you are:

  • Pregnant
  • Regularly in contact with children under the age of 6 months
  • Aged 6 months to 24 years
  • Healthcare or emergency medical personnel
  • Aged 25 to 64 with a health condition that may cause flu complications

You should get the seasonal flu vaccine if you are:

  • Pregnant
  • Regularly in contact with children under the age of 6 months
  • Aged 6 months to 19 years
  • Over 50 years of age
  • A caregiver of someone with a high risk of complications from the flu
  • Living in a nursing home or long term care facility
  • Diagnosed with certain chronic medical conditions

More vaccine information.

If you already have the flu, stay home! Avoid going to work, school, or other public places like shopping malls, grocery stores, or social gatherings. Call your primary care physician and let him or her determine if your symptoms require a visit to the doctor's office. And unless you are experiencing the severe symptoms listed in this document, do not go to the emergency room.

You can prepare by pre-purchasing a few things so you won't need to leave the house in the event of illness. Items you may want to keep on hand include:

  • Bottled water, fruit juice or sports drinks
  • Non-perishable foods like canned meats, fish, soup, beans and vegetables
  • Cereal, crackers and peanut butter
  • Tissues and toilet paper
  • A supply of all your prescription medications, plus pain relievers and cold and flu medications

Visit the links at right for even more information about flu season.