Late Updated: 9/10/2009

H1N1 flu has been confirmed in Orange County and additional cases are expected. For the latest updates, see Updates for Orange County.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 flu (swine flu). There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you get sick with influenza, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What do I do if I get sick?
It is very important that you stay home to prevent spreading infection unless you need medical attention. Mild infections usually do not require medical attention. Typical care may include acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, drinking enough liquids to prevent dehydration, and getting adequate bed rest. If symptoms persist or worsen, or if you have underlying medical conditions, contact your personal physician or regular health care provider. Indications of more serious illness that might need immediate medical care include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Severe vomiting

• Excessive drowsiness

• Fever over 100 degrees, especially in young children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions

• Signs of dehydration in children include being unable to take adequate amounts of fluids, crying without tears, and urinating less often than normal.

If you have fever and respiratory symptoms and need to seek medical attention, please wear a facemask when outside of the house and notify the receptionist immediately of your symptoms upon arrival at the facility.

For more information about novel H1N1 flu: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

See http://healthdisasteroc.org/flu for more information on preparedness planning

Additional Resources

• For Physicians and Other Healthcare Providers

• Daily updates for Orange County

• Eye on Influenza newsletter

• CDC: Guidance for Child Care Programs, Schools, Colleges and Universities

• Information for Concerned Parents and Caregivers

• Orange County Department of Education

• CDPH Recommendations for Schools including use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (8/13/09)

Spanish - En Español

• La influenza H1N1 (gripe porcina) y usted CDC H1N1 Flu (swine flu) & You

Vietnamese - Tiếng Việt

• Thông Tin về Bệnh Cúm Gia Cầm và Đại Dịch Cúm (Flu.gov)