You may have heard people using words like H1N1, pandemic, and respiratory etiquette in your school, community, and in media coverage. But what's it all about? As the flu season approaches, government and health officials are recommending everyone be prepared for the worst. This includes school dismissals and interrupted learning. Use these pages to get informed about the H1N1 flu virus and learn about actions you can take to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe. Finally, explore activities and resources you can use to continue learning while at home or away from school.
Learn about H1N1 swine flu and why we should be prepared this flu season.
Benjamin Franklin said, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." The best defense against viruses is to prevent them from entering our bodies. In the section below, discover the steps you can take to decrease the likelihood of infection to yourself and those in your family, school, and community.
Wash your hands often and thoroughly using soap and warm water. Always wash your hands after you sneeze or cough into them, use the bathroom, before you eat, or anytime before your hands come into contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth.
If you have to cough or sneeze, use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose and then put it into the trash can. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve. If you use your hands to cover your mouth, wash them immediately.
If you feel sick, stay home from school or work. It is important to limit the number of people you come in contact with when you are contagious. Be considerate of the health of others.
Keep shared surfaces you come in contact with every day clean. Remember to clean doorknobs, keyboards, phones, and other items that many people might share.