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Public Health Solutions
District Health Department
995 East Hwy 33, Ste 1
Crete, NE 68333-2562
888.310.0565

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News Update:

• School info packets
• H1N1 activity in NE is considered "widespread".
• There have been 7 deaths in NE attributed to H1N1 (as of October 23, 2009). Most had underlying health conditions that increased their risk of flu complications.
• Public Health focus has broadened to include seasonal flu prevention for the fall and winter.

Fact Sheets for Use and Distribution:

• Tips for Parents During Flu Season

• English

• Español [Spanish]

• B?nh Cúm [Vietnamese]

• ?? [Chinese], ?? [Chinese]

Other Useful Links/Information:

• CDC's Swine flu updates
• Information for Travelers
• Information about Masks/Respirators
• Información en Español - gripe porcina

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Marcy Bauer, Environmental Health and Epidemiology

Public Health Solutions (PHS) District Health Department

402-826-3880

First Confirmed Case of H1N1 Influenza within PHS District

Local public health officials remain watchful, highlight prevention

Crete NE- June 1, 2009. PHS, your local health department, received notice Monday evening that a patient from Saline County is the first confirmed case of H1N1 in the five county health district. Local public health officials continue to monitor the spread of H1N1 across the state and US, and to encourage local residents to practice good prevention practices to avoid catching or spreading this and other respiratory illnesses.

 “While this new case is significant to our local area, it doesn’t change the overall public health message of preventing the spread of H1N1”, according to Marcy Bauer, Epidemiology Coordinator for Public Health Solutions (PHS) District Health Department,

Important tips to remember when it comes to protecting yourselves and your family against this new flu strain include:

• Stay informed. The PHS web site will be updated regularly as information becomes available.

• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.  H1N1, like other influenza strains, is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.  

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the crook of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Throw tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands 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.

• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

• Practice other good health habits – get enough sleep, drink non-caffeinated fluids, manage stress, eat nutritious food, and get plenty of exercise and fresh air.

• Call PHS at 888-310-0565 for more information or visit the PHS web site at www.phsneb.org.

Whatever happens, know that your local health department staff will continue to work with other public health partners to closely monitor influenza-like-illness and be ready with recommendations as the situation demands.