Click HERE to find the latest information on our new FLU section Guidance on the novel H1N1 flu (swine flu) from national and state officials to the public and health care professionals continues to change to respond to the spread and severity of this flu in the state and country.   Officials from the Health Department, local medical facilities, educational institutions, and others continue to monitor and plan for flu like illnesses.  Remember to use these health habits daily to help prevent flu like illnesses: 1.       Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.  No tissue handy?  Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hand. 2.       Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough             or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective 3.       Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs spread that way 4.       If you get sick, stay at home for 24 hours after your fever has gone away without taking fever reducing medicine. Additionally, follow public health advice regarding the novel H1N1 flu and develop your family plan      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updates H1N1 flu  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ Influenza H1N1 (gripe porcina)   http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/espanol/ What to do if you get flu like symptoms:  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm Guidance:  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/ Information for Specific Groups   http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/groups.htm Flu: A Guide for Parents CDC says “Take 3 Steps” to Fight the Flu Los CDC recomiendan que “tome 3” medidas para combatir la influenza CDC updates by date   http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/whatsnew.htm   North Carolina updates  http://www.flu.nc.gov   Durham County Update Message from Durham County Public Health Director, Gayle Harris   Guidelines for Graduation Ceremonies   H1N1 Questions & Answers for Parents of Children in Child Care Preguntas y respuestas para padres sobre el H1N1 H1N1 Questions & Answers for Employees Preguntas y respuestas sobre el H1N1 para empresas y empleados H1N1 Questions & Answers for Parents of Children in Schools Preguntas y respuestas para padres sobre el H1N1     Educational Materials Clean Hands Saves Lives     Fact Sheet: Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)  Cover your Cough Clean Your Hands posters 11X 17 or Flyer: 8.5 X 11 Cubra su tos Lávese las manos  posters 11X 17 or Flyer: 8.5 X 11 Stop the Spread of Germs Posters Materials/Posters:  http://www.cdc.gov/germstopper/index.htm Hand Washing Video [8MB]   Plan and Prepare General Information  http://www.pandemicflu.gov/general/index.html Families  http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/index.html Workplace  http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/workplaceplanning/index.html School   http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/school/index.html Healthcare  http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/healthcare/index.html Community  http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/community/index.html      Send an electronic greeting card to friends, family and co-workers! http://www2a.cdc.gov/eCards/index.asp   For additional information regarding the virus or influenza like illness, contact the Durham County Health Department Information Line at 919-560-7882. Callers must leave a message and a County Communicable Disease Control Nurse will return the call.