2009-05-06 P & R Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with this flu. Like seasonal flu, HINI Novel Influenza may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. What Yon Can Do to Stay Healthy Please observe routine public health recommendations for preventing the spread of the flu: I. Wash your hands often to protect yourself from germs. 2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. 3. Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. 4. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. 5. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. 6. Practice other good health habits. Keep yourself strong - and more resistant to disease - by getting plenty of sleep, staying physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food. Stay informed. As information becomes available, websites are updated regularly at the MDH website ofwww.health.state.mn.usand the CDC website ofwww.cdc.gov. Members of the public with questions about the current outbreak ofHINI influenza can call the MDH hotline at 1-800-657-3903. Around the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with the State MDH and the various County Community Health Departments are actively responding to this outbreak. These coordinated actions are designed to slow the spread of disease and to reduce the severity of the illness in people. For years, the Anoka County Public Health Department staff have been planning and preparing with local partners, and MDH for the possibility of a widespread contagious infection. There are plans in place for educating persons via telephone hotlines and the internet, on caring for the sick, on assisting persons who need to be isolated or quarantined, and the dispensing of anti- virals or vaccines. Anoka County staff, along with local partners, have been trained and have practiced for such events. The current HINI virus may quickly weaken and disappear. That is the hope. However, it may also become stronger and harder to fight off. If the virus takes this course, we must all be as well prepared as we can be for this situation. (cc: Anoka County Commissioners, Terry Johnson) I:\Health\AnMIN\ADM1N\Rina\MEMOS\2009\HINl Novel Update fotcommunities.doc, OS/QlI09,kt