Group Health providers in Redmond, Bellevue and Seattle are asking people to remember “that we just got done with the flu season and are well prepared,” in the event that the H1N1 (swine influenza) virus hits our area, according to Katie McCarthy of Group Health Media Relations.

They are advising people to follow the same protocols as they would with any flu outbreak. These include:

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.

Alcohol-based wipes are also effective.

• Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods.

• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

• Ask all your health care providers to wash or sanitize their hands.

McCarthy said readers who have an illness including a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills or other fatigue, should call their doctor’s offices for instructions.

Group Health members should call their consulting nurse or e-mail their doctor rather than coming to Urgent Care.

“Regarding testing, it is a conversation between the doctor and the patient,” said McCarthy. “If you have symptoms mentioned above, it is important to talk to your care provider to decide the next steps.”

A Group Health fact sheet, “What You Need to Know About Swine Flu” is online at www.ghc.org/provider/flu/swineFlu.jhtml.

Group Health Redmond Medical Center is located in the Riverpark development, at 15809 Bear Creek Parkway, Suite 100. For information, call (425) 882-6100.