Southeast Missouri Hospital, which operates the Campus Health Clinic at Southeast Missouri State University, is actively working with public health officials in Cape Girardeau County to monitor the situation.

“The symptoms of influenza A H1N1 in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with influenza A H1N1,” said Carol Jordan, BSN, RN, CIC, Southeast Missouri Hospital’s Infection Prevention and Control Coordinator.

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against influenza A H1N1. But Jordan says there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.  She advises:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
   
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
   
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
   
• If you are diagnosed with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.