Public Health Madison and Dane County reports that there have been approximately 300 confirmed cases of novel H1N1 influenza reported in Dane County to date, although the true number of infections is probably several thousand. They predict that it is likely that almost everyone has been or will be exposed at some point. Meriter’s Infection Prevention and Control Program encourages everyone to practice Good Health Habits:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• If tissue is not immediately available, use the upper part of your arm, not your hand.
• Clean your hands often with either soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially after you cough, sneeze or use a tissue.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to reduce the spread of germs.
• 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 form infecting them.

This is an evolving situation. For the latest information from federal, state and local officials:

• Centers for Disease Control
• State of Wisconsin
• Public Health Madison and Dane County