The Department of Health and Human Services has declared a public health emergency in the United States in response to the rise in the number of confirmed cases reported of H1N1 (swine) influenza.

According to the CDC, person-to-person transmission of flu occurs mainly through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with the flu viruses on it and then touching their mouths or noses.

Guidance published by the CDC for infection control advises that "disinfection strategies used during influenza seasons can be applied to the environmental management of H1N1 influenza." Additional guidance published for infection control recommends keeping "surfaces (especially tables, surfaces in the bathroom, and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a disinfectant according to directions on the product label."

The CDC currently recommends the following precautionary measures:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. To help children do a better job at washing hands have them recite their ABC's while they wash – the time it takes to recite will help make sure their hands are clean.
  
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  
• If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Following these simple guidelines can help prevent catching any type of flu. Click here to learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site.