PRECAUTIONS REGARDING H1N1 INFLUENZA VIRUS
by Suzanne Cunningham
May 05, 2009
Governor Heineman declared a public health emergency due to the confirmation of the first case of H1N1 Influenza (swine flu) in Nebraska. The Governor emphasized that the declaration was intended to “alert, not alarm” the public. The declaration allows state emergency officials to move quickly into action and also allows the use of the Governor’s emergency fund.
In addition to personal hygiene (hand washing, etc.) people should take precautions to avoid illness. This includes the following:
-People who are sick should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community.
-Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
-Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
-Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
-People experiencing cough, fever, and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician. Drugs called antivirals can reduce the consequence of contracting the flu, if taken early.
