H1N1 - Swine Flu Information
Members of the public are encouraged to follow standard prevention recommendations for influenza:
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Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
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Clean your hands frequently and thoroughly – with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub solution.
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Clean your hands after shaking hands or having other close contact with other people – before eating or preparing food, or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
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Limit your contact with others who may be ill.
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Stay home from work or school or other activities, such as summer camp, if you are sick. You should remain home for seven days, or until 24 hours after symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.
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Make sure to take enough fluids while you’re sick.
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If you are an employer, encourage your employees to stay home if they are sick.
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If you do develop possible flu symptoms and you want to consult your health care provider, call before going in for an office visit. You may not need to go in, and if you do need to be seen, a time should be set up when you will not risk exposing others to influenza in the waiting room.
Visit the Dakota County Public Health Department webpage for updated information: http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/HandlingEmergencies/RespondingEmergencies/SwineFlu.htm
Resources
CDC has developed current fact sheets for the public on the Swine Flu/H1N1 situation in English and Spanish:
· English http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm
· Spanish: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/espanol/
MDH has opened a public information phone line: 1-800-657-3903. MDH has also established a phone line for clinicians: 651-201-5414. We have posted the public information on our website.
Thank you for your cooperation. We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as needed.
The City is providing links for residents to get the most up-to-date information regarding this health concern. In addition, the Minnesota Department of Health has issued reminders to observe routine public health practices which can prevent the spread of the flu:
Minnesota Department of Health Reminders
· Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
· Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
· Wash your hands often to protect yourself 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. Keep yourself strong – and more resistant to disease – by getting plenty of sleep, staying physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food.
More Information:
www.flu.gov
Multi-Lingual Information from ECHO/MN Dept. of Health
Center for Disease Control
Minnesota Department of Health
Dakota County Public Health
Burnsville Pandemic Planning
Phone Hotline
Center for Disease Control National Hotline 1-800-232-4636
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