In April of 2009, a new strain of the Influenza A (H1N1) Virus appeared and has since spread throughout the world, including the United States. It is important to take the same basic precautions that one would take to avoid getting the seasonal flu (see the section on general precautions below).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) is tracking the spread of the virus and a vaccine is now available, although only in limited quantities. Click here for the latest information on the new H1N1 flu vaccine. It is important to note that you cannot get the new H1N1 flu from eating pork.

To avoid getting or spreading the new H1N1 virus, people should take the same precautions as they would for the seasonal flu, namely:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose.
• Whenever you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth. If possible, use a tissue; throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not available, cough into your sleeve rather than your hand.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as much as possible.
• Maintain a distance of three (3) feet between you and other people.
• Avoid people who are sick, and, if you are sick, avoid contact with other people.
• If you are sick (or think you may be sick) stay home from work or school.
• If possible, talk to your doctor by phone to avoid an in-person office visit.

There is a vaccine for the new H1N1 flu, but it is only available in limited quantities at the moment. Vaccine production facilities are producing more vaccine and within a short time, there will be enough vaccine to vaccinate everyone who wants to be vaccinated. Until then, however, vaccinations will be limited to certain CDC-identified priority groups who are most at risk from the new H1N1 virus. Click here for more information on the new H1N1 vaccine.

In addition to the vaccine, there are treatments for people who get the new H1N1 flu. Two antiviral drugs – Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and Zanamivir (Relenza®) – have been found effective in treating the illness. Please note: neither drug should be taken unless prescribed by a doctor.

The symptoms of the New H1N1 Flu will vary from person to person, but they are similar to the symptoms of common seasonal flu:

	Fever Cough Sore Throat Body Aches Headache		Chills Tiredness/Fatigue Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea

If you have any of the above symptoms – especially a fever of 100° F or higher – contact your medical provider for evaluation.

The following link provides a brochure from the Saint Louis County Department of Health about the new H1N1 flu and what you and your family can do to be prepared:

To learn more about the New H1N1 Flu Virus or about how the nation or your state is responding to the threat, please visit the following websites:

The Saint Louis County Department of Health has also issued several news releases regarding the New H1N1 Virus: