Cases of the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus have been reported in the United States, including in Colorado and Nebraska. While no lab-confirmed cases have been reported in Wyoming, the University of Wyoming and Albany County Public Health urge you to take precautions to prevent the spread of any disease, including the H1N1 virus:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. That's about the length of time it takes to sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers that are at least 60 percent alcohol, if you don't have immediate access to soap and water.
• Sneeze or cough into your sleeve, covering your mouth and nose.
• If you cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue away and wash your hands when you are done.
• If you are sick, stay home to avoid infecting others.
• Maintain a distance of at least three feet between you and anyone who appears to be sick to prevent the spread of sickness.
Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you have fever along with other symptoms, please call your medical provider to determine whether you should be tested for flu.
For more information, visit the fact sheet on the UW Web site.
Posted on Monday, May 04, 2009