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Swine flu update By OC Family StaffPublished: October, 2009

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Flu season is right around the corner. This year, with it comes the now-familiar H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu. The virus has been spreading from person to person since spring and is expected to hit the nation hard as flu season begins next month. Despite your age or health status, being extra careful is key to minimizing your risk for getting H1N1.     The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there have been 8,842 H1N1 flu hospitalizations in the U.S. as of August. As many as 1,663 of those cases are reportedly in California. The CDC says it hopes to vaccinate some 100 million Americans by late December, with priority status being given to pregnant women, children and babies and toddlers ages 6 months to 24 years. Listen to the CDC's podcast for kids on H1N1:     As the first line of defense for your family, we’ve compiled vital information that will help you to reduce your risk of getting the virus, as well as spreading it to others. How to reduce your risk of getting the H1N1 virus > Wash hands or use hand sanitizer often, especially after sneezing or coughing. You should wash you hands under warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. > Remember to always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. > Germs easily spread, so avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose. H1N1 Symptoms > Sore throat > Cough > Fever, chills > Fatigue > Diarrhea > Vomiting > Body aches > Stuffy or runny nose > Headache What you should know > The influenza virus can remain on environmental surfaces for two to eight hours and infect a person during that time. > The virus can be destroyed by heat and chemical germicides, such as chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents, iodophors and alcohols.  > Keep household surfaces, especially in the bathroom or kitchen, and children’s toys clean with a disinfectant. > Those infected with the virus can infect another person up to seven days after being diagnosed. > People under 25 years of age have been more prone to being infected with the virus. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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