Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette: The flu virus spreads from person to person in droplets produced by coughs and sneezes. Therefore, it is important that everyone cover their mouths or noses with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of the tissue appropriately. If no tissue is available, using the inside of the elbow (or shirtsleeve) to cover the mouth or nose is preferable to using the hands. Always perform hand hygiene after handling dirty tissues or other soiled material. 

Hand Hygiene: Everyone should practice good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of flu. Hand hygiene includes traditional hand washing (with soap and warm water, lathering for a minimum of 15- 20 seconds) or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (60% alcohol or greater) when soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty.

For the most up to date information about common viruses, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm or www.flu.gov.

The New York State Education Department provides guidance, support, and direction to administrators, faculty, staff, and the school community. A compilation of all H1N1 information provided by NYSDOH and NYSED is posted at http://usny.nysed.gov/swine-flu-info.html. 

The New York Statewide School Health Service Center provides guidance and support to school health professionals. Frequently updated information is posted at http://www.schoolhealthservices.org/.

Links and contact information for your local (county) health department is available at http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/lhu/map.htm.