Stay Informed, Stay Healthy

Stay informed. Rep. Fred Upton’s website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.

Get vaccinated. Vaccination is the best protection against contracting the flu.

You need two vaccines to be fully protected this year. The seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine are separate vaccinations. A seasonal vaccine is distributed routinely every year, the H1N1 flu vaccine is in development for the fall of 2009.

Flu Clinics in Michigan http://www.michiganstartpages.com/michigan/health/flureport.htm

The seasonal vaccine is not expected to protect against the H1N1 flu and the H1N1 flu vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. Each protects against a different virus and is intended to be used along-side the other. Be sure to get both!

More information on Vaccination »

Practice good hygiene. Take common-sense steps to limit the spread of germs. Make good hygiene a habit.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue.

• Put used tissues in a waste basket.

• Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Use soap and water or  an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

More on Prevention and Treatment »

If you are diagnosed with the flu…

• Stay home, follow your doctor’s orders, and watch for warning signs that may signal immediate medical attention. Remain at home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free (no fever) for 24 hours, whichever is longer.

• Avoid close contact with others, especially those who might easily get the flu, such as people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, young children, and infants.

• Wear a facemask – if available and tolerable – when sharing common spaces with other household members to help prevent spreading the virus to others. This is especially important if other household members are at high risk for complications from influenza.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Drink clear fluids such as water, broth, sports drinks, or electrolyte beverages made for infants to prevent becoming dehydrated.

• Cover coughs and sneezes.

• Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, especially after using tissues and after coughing or sneezing into your hands.

Learn more about medications and antivirals »