 H1N1 Novel Flu (Swine Flu) Information
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has now confirmed more than 40 cases of H1N1 Novel Influenza (formerly known as swine flu) in Minnesota, mostly in the metro region. For updated news, check the MDH website.
The symptoms of this flu are similar to other flu strains. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 Novel Flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
Flu is contagious. It is spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
MDH officials are reminding people to observe routine public health recommendations for preventing the spread of the flu:
- Stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- Wash your hands often to protect yourself from germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits. Keep yourself strong – and more resistant to disease – by getting plenty of sleep, staying physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food.
If you have questions, contact your medical provider or check the CDC website at: www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidelines_infection_control.htm. See also this Frequently Asked Questions page (pdf format).
 Is Your Child Protected?
Immunizations, also called vaccinations, are one of the best weapons we
have against certain serious diseases.
With summer not far off, it's a good
time to think about getting your child up-to-date on immunizations, to be
prepared for summer camps, next fall's school requirements – and life.
Call your nearest FamilyHealth clinic to make an appointment with one of our pediatricians or family medicine physicians.
 Were You There?
FamilyHealth Medical Clinic–Lakeville sponsored the community's second-annual Women's Health Expo on Saturday, May 2. If you missed the event, you can still get the handouts from the educational sessions presented by FamilyHealth–Lakeville physicians. Click on the title below to download the handout (pdf format):
We thank those who spent part of a beautiful May morning with us, and the 24 vendors who filled the Lakeville Area Arts Center with their booths featuring skin care products, jewelry, clothing, food, home décor, crafts, massages and gifts.
We'll hope to see you next year at the third-annual event!
 Watch for Our New Ad
on Charter Cable
Have you seen our Charter Cable TV ads? We'll have a new one starting soon, featuring the orthopaedic services now available at FamilyHealth–Lakeville and FamilyHealth–Farmington (see below for more information on the new Lakeville service).
Send us an e-mail and let us know if you've seen our ads!
 Orthopaedic Surgeon Now
Seeing Patients at FamilyHealth–Lakeville
Erik S. Stroemer, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon with Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic, now sees patients at FamilyHealth–Lakeville.
Dr. Stroemer has a special interest in sports medicine; hip, knee and shoulder surgery; fracture care; and joint replacements. He sees Lakeville patients on Thursdays. To make an appointment with Dr. Stroemer, call 952-469-0500.
Orthopaedic services are also provided at FamilyHealth–Farmington and at the Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic of Northfield.
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