Here are some links to information about the H1N1 flu virus, how flu and other germs travel, and about how to protect yourself and others.  This page will be updated as new information is obtained.

H1N1 Information - this document is in easy to understand words and pictures, which can also be used to educate individuals with developmental disabilities.

How Flu Travels: This document from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides tips on how to avoid the flu, and how to tell the difference between colds, flu, and strep throat.

Click here for a simple printable Information sheet.

Time Magazine article "Top 5 Swine Flu Don'ts"

People living in a group setting or attending school or day program may be more vulnerable to exposure to the flu virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that individuals who live with or provide direct care to individuals with disabilities are now a priority group for receiving the H1N1 vaccine, along with pregnant women, persons who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months of age, persons age 6 months to 24 years, and persons 25 - 64 who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk. 

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/disabilities/ and

http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/healthconditions/disabilities/index.html

If you provide care to a person or persons with a developmental disability please remember to follow these simple preventative measures: 

• Use universal precautions by washing your hands frequently using soap and warm water. Using a hand sanitizer is helpful but will not replace good hand washing.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and use the above universal precautions when in contact. 
• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze will help to protect others. Have tissues handy and throw used tissues in the waste basket.
• If you are sick (coughing, fever, lethargy, diarrhea, or other flu like symptoms) stay at home.
• Keep the family members or clients that you care for home if they show symptoms of being sick.
• Family members and service providers are urged to identify those individuals they care for who may be more at risk in this situation. Special care should be taken with those individuals at risk, such as individuals with chronic medical conditions, to make sure that the best hygiene practices are followed. Individuals that show signs of fever, cough, and other flu-like symptoms should be closely monitored and referred to a physician.
• The Center for disease control recommends seeking emergency medical care for people with any of these warning signs:
  • Children: fast or troubled breathing, bluish skin color, dehydration, lethargy, irritable behavior, relapse of flu symptoms, fever with rash.  
  • Adults: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting.

Individuals who are in a group home or day activity setting who are ill should be isolated to prevent possible spread of the flu. Service Providers should inform the Regional Center Counselor if the individual you are serving needs to be isolated.

According to the CDC, children or teenagers who may have the flu should not be given aspirin or medicines that may contain aspirin.

If there is a need to take a client to the emergency room for any reason, please place a mask on the client and wear one yourself. Emergency rooms are places where illnesses like swine flu can be spread.

The California Department of Public Health has established a statewide toll-free telephone Hotline. The phone number is 1-888-865-0564. Hotline services are available in English and Spanish, with other languages available upon request.

California Department of Public Health: www.cdph.ca.gov