H1N1 Flu Precautions What you need to know about H1N1 Flu: With current news of the H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak, the Sacramento Public Library is relaying basic prevention information, provided by the major health care providers HealthNet and Kaiser Permanente.
The H1N1 strain is transmitted from person to person, although the exact method of transmission has not been fully determined. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea or vomiting. If you or a friend or family member is suffering from similar symptoms, please consult with a medical professional.
HealthNet urges individuals to follow the Centers for Disease Control’s suggestions for how you can help reduce the spread of germs:
- Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick (or if you are sick) – aim for about three feet of distance (arm’s length).
- Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others catching your illness.
- Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or cough into the inside of the elbow. This may prevent those around you from getting sick.
- Clean your hands often. Washing your hands often with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday”) will help protect you from germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress levels, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods.
Swine flu information resources on the web:
Sacramento County Public Health Division 
Centers for Disease Control (Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades)
H1N1 Flu Shot Locator for California
Flu.gov - California Flu Information
MedlinePlus
H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinic Schedule
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