About the H1N1 Flu
Know the Symptoms
H1N1 is like the seasonal flu, but symptoms may be more severe.
- Fever
- Coughing and/or sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headaches and/or body aches
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Less likely but possible: diarrhea and vomiting
Avoid the Flu: Your Role
- Get vaccinated. If your doctor doesn't have the vaccine, please consult area health department Web sites for vaccine clinics.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Stay home when sick. And stay home long enough to recover fully, ideally a day or even two after the fever breaks.
- If you are a caregiver, the CDC recommends protecting yourself with a facemask.
- If your child plays interscholastic sports, please make sure he or she has a personal water bottle and cleans it at home every night.
Avoid the Flu: Our Role
- Disinfect, disinfect, disinfect.
- Encourage proper hygiene.
- Send those with symptoms to the infirmary.
- Ease students' fear about missed work and help them to resume studies when they are well.
- Monitor absenteeism.
- Report absentee rates to the Baltimore County Health Department.
- Follow local and state health department instructions and CDC guidelines.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene