H1N1 Flu Information and Prevention Guidelines
Transmission: H1N1 is an
influenza virus that is spread mainly through airborne
droplets
of the coughs and/or sneezes of someone who is infected. The
virus may also be
spread by touching an object or surface
that has been
contaminated
and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Symptoms:
·
Fever of 100.0 Fahrenheit or greater
·
Body aches
·
Chills
·
Fatigue
·
Headache
·
Congestion
·
Cough
·
Sore throat
·
Possible diarrhea & vomiting
Those
who are infected with the seasonal flu or H1N1 flu may be contagious to others
from 1 day prior to becoming ill to 5 to 7 days after.
Prevention:
·
Cover both your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or Sneezing. Discard tissue in trash
container immediately.
·
Wash hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water. (especially after coughing
and or sneezing) Alcohol based hand
cleaners are also effective.
·
Keep your hands away from your face.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
·
Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
·
If you experience any flu like symptoms stay at home for at least 24
hours after your fever is gone. (except for seeking medical care or other
necessities) Fever should be gone
without the use of fever reducing medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen)
or Motrin (Ibuprofen). Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from
spreading the illness.
·
Clean areas that are frequently touched by others such as doorknobs,
keyboards, telephones, countertops etc. as needed.
H1N1
can survive on surfaces from 2 to 8 hours.
Soccer Specifics:
·
Do NOT come to practice or games if you are
ill or have had a
temperature of 100.0
Fahrenheit or greater in the past 24 hours.
·
Do NOT share water bottles.
·
Consider keeping alcohol-based hand cleaner in your
soccer bag for use after practice/games.
·
Avoid coughing or sneezing into hands. If tissue is not an option sneeze/cough into
your elbow or shoulder.