�The H1N1 virus appears to be transmitted in the same way as the seasonal influenza – mostly through coughing and sneezing,� said Dr. Zachary Rubin, hospital epidemiologist, Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and Orthopaedic Hospital and assistant professor of infectious diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
�So far, the overall severity of H1N1 regionally has been low, but this could change in the coming months and with the combination of the seasonal flu.�
The Centers for Disease Control and UCLA experts suggest the following precautionary measures:
1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
2) Wash your hands often with soap and water, especia
lly after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
3) Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
4) Try to avoid close contact with sick people and isolate those with flu-like symptoms from others.
5) If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid other normal activities like travel, shopping and social events. Postpone visiting friends or family members in the hospital until you�re feeling better to help protect other patients and hospital staff.
6) If necessary, follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
7) Be aware of developing the following symptoms common to both H1N1 and seasonal flu: fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches and stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
8) If you do contract either H1N1 or seasonal flu, stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever ends and stay away from others as much as possible.
9) The following high-risk persons should seek medical attention or guidance upon development of symptoms: pregnant women, children younger than five years of age, persons any age with certain chronic medical conditions or compromised immune systems, persons 65 years and older (this population has less susceptibility to H1N1 but high risk to seasonal flu.)
10) Adults and children should get an annual seasonal flu shot.
The following websites can help you stay informed:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm
California Department of Public Health:
www.cdph.ca.gov
