What are the signs and symptoms of the H1N1 virus in people?

The symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runnuy or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as aresult of illness associated with this virus. (CDC.gov)

What can you do to help stop the spread?

In the event of pandemic influenza, businesses, child care facilities, and colleges will play a key role in protecting employees’ health and safety as well as limiting the negative impact to the economy and society. Here are a couple of tips to help keep you healthy this flu season:

• Always cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.
• Wash your hands frequently with hot water and soap for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid contact with your eyes, nose and mouth
• Keep yourself heathy by eating right and getting plenty of rest and exercise
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people
• If you do get sick, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reccomends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone
  

Planning for pandemic influenza is critical.                

To assist you in your efforts, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed the following checklists to help you prepare for an influenza outbreak.

Business Checklist (pdf 167kb)
Child Care Checklist(pdf 79kb)

Further information can be found at

• www.pandemicflu.gov
• www.cdc.gov/business
• www.kdheks.gov

Continue to check back for up-to-date info on the H1N1 Virus