• The CDC has trained a Colorado lab worker to conduct the tests and is sending test kits that can identify the H1N1 flu strain. [Denver Post, 04/30/09]
• 8 states have closed schools, none in Colorado
• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has initiated its “incident command center”
- General information line for the public 1-877-462-2911
• The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu
• You CANNOT get H1N1 ‘swine flu’ from eating pork or pork products.
• There are medications available to treat H1N1 flu, Tamiflu and Relenza being the most popular
• H1N1 flu contains genetic material that is typically found in strains of the virus that affect humans, birds and swine. [CDC]
• The U.S. Department of Health has declared a Public Health Emergency; the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5.
• CDC Prevention tips:
o Avoid close contact.
o Stay home when you are sick.
o Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
o Clean your hands.
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
