The H1N1 Flu, also known as Swine Flu, has reached the Colorado Springs area. Most people who become ill with the H1N1 flu virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment; however, at-risk individuals, such as the elderly, those in poor health or with compromised immune systems, may experience severe symptoms.

The H1N1 Flu outbreak is expected to get worse with the start of the regular fall flu season. It is anticipated that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this pandemic in the coming days and weeks.

Pikes Peak Community College is doing our part to help keep you healthy, and you can help! By taking a few simple precautions, you can protect yourself and help prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses. Here’s what you can do to stay healthy:

• Clean your hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Scrub your hands with soap for a minimum of 20 seconds prior to rinsing. When possible, use paper towels to dry your hands and use those towels to turn the water off and open the door upon exiting. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue away immediately after you use it. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze into the crook of your elbow rather than your hands. This may prevent those around you from getting sick. Influenza spreads mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance (at least six feet) from others to protect them from getting sick too.

• Stay home when you are sick. If you get the flu, stay home from work, school, errands and social gatherings. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

• Get a flu shot to help protect you from seasonal flu.

• Get a pneumonia shot to prevent secondary infection, if you are over age 65 or have a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma. For more details, talk to your health care provider.

• Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, eat nutritious food, drink plenty of fluids, be physically active, and manage your stress.

Want more information? Call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hotline at 1-800-232-4636, or go online to www.pandemicflu.gov or www.cdc.gov.