“H1N1 influenza is no cause for alarm, but residents should take sensible precautions like washing their hands,” said Dutchess County Commissioner of Health Michael C. Caldwell, MD, MPH. Dutchess County Department of Health will continue to vigilantly track H1N1 influenza and take any needed measures to protect the public.
Influenza infections spread from person-to-person when someone sneezes, coughs or even talks. Occasionally a person may become infected by touching something with the virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Dutchess County and New York State Departments of Health recommend the following:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective when soap and water are not available.
- Avoid people who are ill.
- Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
- Use a tissue when you cough, sneeze or spit, and dispose of the tissue immediately in a covered trash bin.
- Keep hands away from your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Clean any shared spaces more often such as phone receivers, keyboards, steering wheels and office equipment.
- Refrain from sharing personal items such as forks, spoons, toothbrushes and towels.
It is recommended that you contact your health care provider if you become ill with high fever (more than 100 degrees) severe headache, body aches or pains, fatigue, cough, and/or runny nose.
Earlier in 2009, human cases of novel H1N1 influenza virus infection were identified in the United States. An investigation and response effort surrounding the outbreak of H1N1 influenza continues. The current number of H1N1 influenza cases can be found at: http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/. Schools, businesses, community groups, and families can visit flu.gov to find out more information on how to prepare for the influenza season.
View the Video (.wmv) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
