General Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Top 10 Things You Can Do to Prevent the Flu (PDF)

What to Do If You Get Sick: 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu (CDC)

Guidance for Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home (CDC) 

Other Resources

Information for Specific Groups

Health Care Professionals and First Responders

Child Care Programs, Schools, Colleges & Universities

Businesses and Employers

Community and Faith Based Organizations  

Pregnant Women

Top 10 things you can do to prevent the flu.  (PDF Version)

1.   Wash your hands often, especially after coughing & sneezing.  Wash for 20 seconds with soap & warm water.  Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers or wipes if soap and water are not available.

2.   When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth & nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.  Throw the used tissue in the trash and wash your hands.

3.   Avoid touching your eyes, nose & mouth. Germs spread this way.

4.   If you are sick, stay home and away from others for 24 hours after your fever (≥100°F) is gone without the use of fever reducing medications.

5.   Stay away from sick people whenever possible.

6.   Most people who get the flu do not need to go to the doctor or hospital unless they are severely ill or have an underlying condition.

7.   If you are severely ill or at high risk for influenza complications and become ill, call your health care provider as soon as possible. Early treatment with antiviral medications is very important for people at high risk because it can prevent hospitalizations and deaths.

8.   Consider getting vaccinated for seasonal flu if it is recommended for you.  Your primary care provider is the best place to get vaccinated.  If that is not possible, then click here to find a list of community sites that offer the seasonal flu vaccination.  

9.   Consider getting vaccinated for H1N1 if you are in one of the following initial target groups

• Pregnant women
• Persons who live with or provide care for infants aged <6 months
• Health-care and emergency medical services personnel
• Children and young adults aged 6 months - 24 years
• Persons aged 25 - 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications

10.  Keep informed by going to the following websites.

·         ECDOH

·         NYSDOH

·         CDC

·         Flu.gov

 

 

The Erie County Department of Health does not provide medical advice.  The information provided herein and on the Erie County Department of Health website is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your personal physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or issue.  Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the content found on the Erie County Department of Health website or this correspondence.