At HNE, we care about the health and safety of our members and our community. That is why we’d like to share some information about “swine flu” (H1N1 influenza virus) with you.

Cases of swine flu have been identified in Massachusetts. This illness is caused by a virus and can pass from person to person easily by coughing, sneezing, or touching things that are contaminated with the virus.

Symptoms of swine flu include:

• Fever
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Sometimes vomiting or diarrhea

If you have any of these symptoms, call your PCP. Treatment for most people includes fluids and rest.

Wash your hands!
You can become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching your mouth or nose. To reduce the chance of infection, wash your hands.

• Use soap and warm water.
• Wash for 20 seconds.
• Be sure to scrub fingers, nails, and wrists.
• Shut off the faucet with a paper towel.

If don’t have access to soap and warm water, use an alcohol hand gel and rub your hands until dry or other hand sanitizer.

For more information on H1N1 influenza, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or http://www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu.