Swine Flu will probably return in force earlier than seasonal flu usually begins.  The federal health officials say they expect it to erupt as schools open rather than in October or November.

Helpful hints to protect yourself, family, and community:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.  Use your sleeve if you have no tissue.
Wash your hands (20 seconds) often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of the H1n1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue.

Emergency Warning Signs:

Adults:  Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting and flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.

Children:  Fast breathing or trouble breathing, blush or gray skin color, not drinking enough fluids, severe or persistent vomiting, not waking up or not interacting, being so irritable that the child does not want to be held and flu-like symptoms improve but then with fever and worse cough.

For further information visit the following web sites:

www.vchca.org/ph
www.cdc.gov.h1n1flu/sick.htm

Toll free hotline for California:    1-888-865-0564