The following are tips to prevent the spread of H1N1 these and more information can be obtained at www.h1n1inpa.com

Use a tissue to cover your cough and sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze in your sleeve, not your hand.

Covering your cough is key to preventing the spread of the virus. Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands. Coughing or sneezing into your sleeve avoids infecting your hands and keeps germs from spreading to people or surfaces around you.

Keep your hands away from your face and don't touch your mouth, nose or eyes.

Germs on your hands can easily spread to your mouth, nose and eyes when you touch your face.

Wash your hands with soap often (or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer)

Germs can live for up to 8 hours on all the surfaces you touch. Take the time - every time - to wash your hands when you've been in public (that goes for meetings, the supermarket, school, the park...anywhere your hands touch something other hands have touched). And especially before you eat.

AND POSSIBLY THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL…

Stay home if you get sick.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you stay home until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, leaving the house only to get medical care. Schools and workplaces are encouraging this policy to avoid infecting other students and employees.

One last tip to prepare for the upcoming flu season: Stock over-the-counter medications, alcohol-based cleaner, tissues and plenty of fluids while you're well to avoid the need for a pharmacy trip in the event you do get sick.

Get the latest information on vaccine sites in your area, community updates or regional outbreaks.