H1N1: It’s a new and different flu season.

About 5-20% of the population gets the flu each year, and the better amount of those people get hit with it around October to November. Not this year, it seems.

H1N1 has been making its way across the world since it was first noticed in April of 2009 in Mexico. As summer came along, it started to get contained. But now, with students going back to school or starting college, there is concern that it may begin to spread once again. The fact that students are returning to school is more of a worry because of the fact that the H1N1 flu seems to affect younger people more frequently than older people. Colleges have begun to see more cases of the H1N1 flu since September.

So you may be wondering, how can I prevent H1N1 in me? Here are some tips on how:
-Get informed. Symptoms of H1N1 include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, chills, headaches, fatiguer and body aches are mild for most individuals.

-Keep your hands clean. To prevent the flu wash your hands regularly with soap and water. If that’s not possible, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Clean/disinfect commonly touched surfances including door knobs, kitchen counters and children’s toys.

-Know when to stay home. If you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s best to stay home until you fully recover.

This article was submitted by Claudette Tinkler of Herbal Magic, 250 Main Street East, Hawkesbury Centre.