In the news this fall, the Hancock County Health Department and Hancock Regional Hospital will host a planning summit for key county agencies involved in responding to a potential outbreak of H1N1 influenza. The Hancock County Public Library is honored to serve community agencies as their coordination site.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO TO STAY HEALTHY

• Stay informed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.  Here is their link:  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm#d
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue 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.
• Keep your distance. Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? TRY THESE LINKS

National

• Federal Government Central Site http://www.pandemicflu.gov/
• Ebscohost Free Flu Information http://www.ebscohost.com/flu/
• Mayo Clinic Page on Influenza http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/influenza/DS00081

State/Local

• Indiana Government Page on Flu http://www.in.gov/flu/
• Hancock County Health Department http://www.hancockcoingov.org/health_department/default.asp
• Hancock Regional Hospital Page on H1N1  http://www.hancockregionalhospital.org/default.asp?PageIndex=571