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The Cortland County Health Department continues its active monitoring of the prevalence of Novel H1N1 across New York State and Cortland County. Catherine P. Feuerherm, Public Health Director and Stuart W. Gillim, Medical Advisor state that Novel H1N1 is present in Cortland County. At this time all cases of influenza like illness are presumed to be the Novel H1N1 virus. Most cases of Novel H1N1 have had a mild illness and recover without the need for medical care. Most flu patients can be cared for best at home. It is probably the Novel H1N1 flu if you have respiratory (cough, sneezing, sore throat) and have a fever (above 100F), chills, or muscle aches. You should seek medical attention (call your doctors office) if you develop flu-like and are: 1. Pregnant 2. Younger than 5 years, especially younger than 2 years 3. Are under age 50 and have underlying illnesses (asthma, or other chronic lung disease, heart disease, neuromuscular disease, or a compromised immune system) 4. Are seriously ill from the flu The Cortland County Health Department continues to urge the community to follow these preventative measures: *Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. *Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your upper sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw tissue in the trash after you use it. *Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. That’s how you infect yourself. *Stay home from work or school if you are sick. We urge you to consider receiving the seasonal flu vaccine. Contact your medical care provider to arrange for vaccination. Public flu clinics are being offered in the county for the uninsured, underinsured or those without a medical provider. Vaccine for the Novel H1N1 virus will be available to high-risk groups as it arrives. The Cortland County Health Department is committed to keeping the community healthy, continue with active surveillance of Novel H1N1 activity, and will continue to keep the community informed of recent flu related information. For more information visit our website at http://cchd.cortland-co.org