Health Tips

Wash your hands! According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), handwashing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection.

Proper handwashing
The CDC recommends the following steps for handwashing:

• Wash your hands with hot running water and soap. Children should use warm running water.
• Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds.
• Pay special attention to your wrists, the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your fingernails.
• Leave the water running while you dry your hands on a paper towel.
• Use the paper towel as a barrier between the faucet and your clean hands when you turn off the water.
• View our video: The ABCs of Handwashing

Learn more about the importance of handwashing.
CentraCare Online Health Library
Minnesota Department of Health

H1N1 Novel Influenza

H1N1 novel influenza (formerly known as Swine Flu) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. H1N1 is a certain kind of influenza that can cause infection in humans.

Signs and symptoms of H1N1 influenza
The symptoms are similar to seasonal flu:

• fever (above 100°F)
• cough
• sore throat
• stuffy nose
• in some cases diarrhea and vomiting

How does H1N1 influenza spread?
When a person with flu coughs or sneezes.
Touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Learn more about H1N1
Minnesota Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
ECHO (Emergency and Community Health Outreach) - Information in multiple languages
H1N1 Response Center - Online flu self-assessment tool

FluLine
A new phone-based service is now available for Minnesotans who think they may have the flu.

People with possible flu symptoms can call the Minnesota FluLine (MN FluLine) at 1-866-259-4655 for information and treatment options. Professionals will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People with limited English skills will be connected with an interpreter. There is no charge for the call.