Key Facts about H1N1 (commonly known as Swine FLU) taken from the Center for Disease Control website :

• The H1N1 virus has demonstrated a capacity to infect young adults, elderly, women who are pregnant and those with certain medical conditions.
  
• CDC has determined that the H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.
  
• The spread of H1N1 is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something - such as a surface or object - with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
  
• The seasonal flu vaccine is now available. However, a vaccine for H1N1 is still being developed and will not be available until later in the fall at the earliest.
  
• The H1N1 virus is different than the seasonal flu virus but its symptoms are similar and typically include fever, cough and sore throat. Additional symptoms may include headache, chills, fatigue and body aches
  

The following preventative steps are encouraged for all members of the MBU community:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water. In the absence of soap and water, use alcohol-based sanitizers.
  
• Cover your mouth and nose with your upper sleeve when you cough or sneeze, if a tissue is not available.
  
• Avoid sharing utensils, drinks or personal-care items, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  
• Frequently clean your most commonly used work surfaces such as computer keyboards, desktops, phones and door handles.
  
• Stay home if you are sick and have signs or symptoms that are consistent with the flu.