How to Prevent the Spread of H1N1
Common sense strategies outlined below will help to protect you against the spread of the H1N1 virus. Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay home, contact their physician, and alert their supervisor or resident assistant of their illness. The flu is contagious one to two days before and four to five days after symptoms start.
The symptoms of the H1N1 virus are similar to regular seasonal influenza and include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches/ headaches, chills, fatigue, occasional diarrhea and vomiting.
To protect yourself and others against the spread of flu, D.C. Department of Health and the CDC recommend that you take these simple but important steps:
- Stay home if you are sick. If you have influenza-like illness symptoms, stay home until you have been without fever for 24 hours. Following these recommendations will help keep you from infecting others and spreading the virus.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with those who have symptoms of flu.
- If you get sick with the influenza, the health department recommends that you limit your contact with others to keep from infecting them.
For more information, visit American University’s H1N1 Information Web site.