Dear Students,

With all the news of the recent H1N1 flu (formerly known as swine flu) outbreak, everyone is concerned about staying healthy and preventing the spread of the disease.  Here is a list of resources to give you more information about the disease and ways to stay healthy:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention video on the importance of hand-washing

http://www.cdc.gov/CDCTV/handstogether

Emergency and Community Health Outreach (ECHO) with information available in several languages

http://www.echominnesota.org/

RESOURCES FROM THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC)

Swine Flu and You http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm

Swine Flu - Key Facts http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/key_facts.htm

Swine Flu Video http://www2a.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=11226

RESOURCES FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPT. OF HEALTH

Swine Flu Basics http://health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/h1n1/basics/index.html

Cover Your Cough FAQ http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/dtopics/infectioncontrol/cover/faq.html

Additional information is posted on the Minneapolis Schools District website  www.mpls.k12.mn.us. Here you will also find other links to answer questions about this flu.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO STAY HEALTHY (from the CDC)

• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or shirt-sleeve 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 that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.  Contact your health-care provider if you exhibit flu-like symptoms.

Ask your doctor or clinic if you have specific questions.  Gesundheit ("good health" in German) to all of us!