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Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Information

2009 H1Ni Flu (Swine Flu)

(last updated: 9-24-09)

Since the spring of 2009, the Novel H1N1 influenza virus has circled the globe and continues to be a significant public health concern. Information related to the distribution of the H1N1 vaccine, H1N1 epidemiology and healthcare worker protection, continues to develop and change seemingly on a daily basis.

Healthcare workers can receive public health updates related to H1N1 by registering for the New Jersey Local Information Network Communications System (NJLINCS) Health Alert Network. If you have not already registered to receive NJLINCS notifications, you may do so by completing a NJLINCS registration form and faxing it to your appropriate NJLINCS agency.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) websites continue to be the best sources of guidance related to the current outbreak of H1N1 and should be monitored routinely for updated information related to H1N1 influenza.

The following websites links are provided below for your convenience.

• Centers for Disease Control
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• Homeland Security
• World Health Organization

The current H1N1 outbreak is still an emerging public health situation with the potential to impact healthcare and other critical infrastructure sectors. As such, we strongly urge you to review your facility emergency preparedness plans and to train/educate your staff and visitors on the following actions that they can take to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as H1N1.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Discard the tissue in an appropriate trash container after use.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. The use of alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective, but should not be considered a substitute for routine handwashing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick individuals.
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them and contact your physician.

Printable PDF format files of the CDC's "Cover Your Cough" information posters may be accessed from the following link and are available in several different languages: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm