Find H1N1 Vaccine
Sites Near You

Visit the West Virginia H1N1 (Swine) Flu Resource Center to discover when and where the H1N1 vaccine is available through your county’s health department.

The state’s new Web site also can help you understand more about the groups that are at risk for developing flu-related complications—like children, pregnant women and those people with underlying health problems.

Check the center’s Website —and here—for regular updates.

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You vs. the Flu: Wash Your Hands, Watch Your Hands

It’s official: The H1N1 flu (swine flu) has been detected in West Virginia. Now what should you do?

Keep doing what health officials advised all along: Wash your hands regularly and watch where you put your hands.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, clean hands save lives.

The CDC recommends that you take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• 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.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Remember that washing your hands means doing more than giving your fingers a quick rinse.

Health educators with West Virginia University Extension Service teach that the best way to clean your hands is to lather them with soap and warm, running water. Rub your hands vigorously for about 20 seconds (that’s equal to singing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” twice). Rinse with warm, running water; dry with a paper towel; and finally use the paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the bathroom door.

Spread the word about proper handwashing. Download free instructional handwashing signs and find other related resources from WVU Extension.

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Worried About H1N1 Flu and You?

What do you need to know about H1N1 flu (swine flu)?

First, do not be alarmed. Get the facts from health care and health information experts.

Here’s something else you should do: Practice good hygiene and wash your hands frequently.

If you enjoy eating pork, continue to do so. You cannot contract the flu by preparing or eating pork. The virus is not transmitted by food.

Continue to look to the experts for facts. You’ll find many helpful details at “Questions & Answers: H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You,” a Web site developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Check these expert resources:

• Visit the West Virginia H1N1 (Swine) Flu Resource Center for information about the H1N1 vaccine in your county and for other helpful health information.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will send you e-mail and text alerts.
• The national eXtension Web site provides current information and links to other trustworthy sites.
• Extension’s Disaster Education Network features teachable moments for preventing the flu.
• The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources has created a flu Web site to track information statewide.
• The American Camp Association offers guidance and publications for camp leaders.
• The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is monitoring the state’s agriculture status.
• The Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program of the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health is monitoring H1N1 flu status in the state and issuing health advisories.
• Free posters help you spread the word. Download a free WVU Extension Service poster about proper hand washing.
• Fact sheets provide guidance on safe agricultural steps. Download free agricultural biosecurity publications.
• WVU has emergency plans should swine flu spread to the local area.
• West Virginia residents can call the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) at 304-558-5358 or 800-423-1271.