Influenza (Flu) activity is increasing throughout most of the United States, including Merced County. As of early fall, most flu infections are due to the 2009 H1N1 flu (formerly called "swine flu").  Most public health experts expect both 2009 H1N1 flu and seasonal flu to cause illness, hospital stays and deaths this season. Currently, most people infected with this 2009 H1N1 flu virus in the United States have had mild disease (meaning rates of hospitalization and deaths have been the same as seen with seasonal flu), but some have had more severe illness.

Below are some very effective ways to help protect against getting infected with flu and from severe illness due to becoming infected with the flu (seasonal flu strains as well as the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu strain).

• Frequent hand-washing or use of alcohol-based hand cleaners;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, as germs spread this way;
• Avoid close contact with sick people, especially people with influenza-like illnesses;
• Get vaccinated with both seasonal and the H1N1 (pandemic) flu vaccines when they become available.
• To protect others, cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough, and throw used tissues away immediately.

Click on the buttons below for more information on Seasonal Flu and/or the H1N1 (pandemic) flu: