With 161 people hospitalized with the flu in Denver and Arapahoe county alone as of January 6, students need to take health precaution. The 2009 H1N1 influenza, also known as swine flu, is spread from person to person. This means that it is spread through sneezing, coughing, and even talking.

Symptoms of the virus include fever, chills, head and body aches, runny/stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. Once these symptoms are noticed, do not go to school. Health technician, Tammy Bartell, says that is anyone is sick with the flu, that person needs to stay home. “If they are running a fever, then they should stay home. Same if you have flu-like symptoms,” Bartell said.

Students who are sick need to stay home. Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water.

In order to avoid catching the flu, students should wash their hands for 20 seconds with warm water, get plenty of rest, and eat healthily. Avoid being around people who are sick. “You just have to be very vigilant in taking care of yourself,” Bartell said.

For more information on the flu, go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/.