H1N1 (also known as swine flu) was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009, and has hit people globally.

H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger then 25 years of age.

There are various methods in protecting yourself from the flu, according to CDC Center for Disease Control, there are three steps to follow.

Those include:

• Take time to get vaccinated,
• Take everyday preventive actions and
• Take flu antiviral drugs if recommended.

There are two different vaccines, one is for seasonal flu and the other is strictly for the H1N1 virus.

Student Health Services will be offering H1N1 vaccines to the students of Cerritos. The date is not set, but Student Health Services are anticipating the end of October.

Approximately 3,000 vaccines will be available. There will be no fee for the services; all you will have to do is read a consent and sign.

The vaccinations will take place in the gym.

Taking the H1N1 vaccine will help build up immunity from the flu.

CDC expresses how severe the flu virus can be, “Each year, in the United States, on average 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 are hospitalized from flu-related causes.”

It is very important to take actions to protect yourself from this virus.

The flu virus sticks around on surfaces two to eight hours, washing your hands constantly also staying away from money and doorknobs can be crucial to avoid the virus.

Nancy Montgomery, Health Services coordinator has put reminders on how to wash hands correctly.

These signs have been put in high-traffic areas around school campus such as food court, library and admission and records.

Julie Garcia, nursing student, explains her precautions with the flu, “In order to protect myself from the H1N1 flu I do common things like wash my hands and carry hand sanitizers, when I’m sick I stay home.”

If you are diagnosed with H1N1 flu antiviral drugs can treat the flu. 

Taking high dosage of Vitamin C can protect your body as well. Eating oranges and strawberries are very high in Vitamin C.

“Keeping good hygiene is ultimately the key to staying clear from the virus,” Montgomery says, “and if you are sick it is advised to stay home so you do not get anyone else sick”

Student Health Services offers on their website different sites to inform yourself about this H1N1 flu.