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If the public will follow some basic sanitation rules, the impact of an anticipated outbreak of H1N1 influenza this fall and winter could be greatly reduced, Linn County Public Health officials say.

Pat Crozier, Linn County public health program manager, attended a statewide flu summit held last Friday in Salem and said she thinks it was valuable to get so many people hearing the same message at the same time.

"If people will wash their hands, cover their coughs and stay home when they are sick, we will get through this in much better shape," Crozier said. "Linn County had a few cases of H1N1 erlier this year, but it certainly wasn't as bad as some other places."

Crozier said it's especially important to get a flu vaccination.

H1N1 symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headache, nausea, chills and fatigue. Some people also report diarrhea and vomiting.

Public health staff members plan to work extensively with area schools on education and providing vaccinations.

Unlike other strains of influenza that primarily target the elderly or children, H1N1 also pinpoints young adults, those in their 30s and 40s, which can disrupt businesses and schools.

Private businesses and government agencies are developing programs to keep operations intact if as many as 30 or 40 percent of staff members miss work due to illness.

During Friday's conference, Gov. Ted Kulongoski said as many as two out of five Oregonians could be infected if H1N1 isn't contained. It is estimated that as many as 90,000 persons nationwide could die, although Dr. Thomas Frieden, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is asking the public to not panic.

Like other forms of influenza - which claim about 20,000 persons annually - people are affected at different levels. Not everyone will be seriously ill and most will only have uncomfortable symptoms for a few days.

To better monitor the spread of H1N1, which initially was misleadingly labeled "swine flu," the state will require mandatory reporting of any hospitalization or death associated with the virus. The new administrative rule goes into effect Sept. 1 and will remain in effect through Feb. 27, 2010.

Oregon has reported 92 cases of hospitalization due to H1N1 so far this year. Eleven people have died. The median age of those hospitalized was 30, with the ages of the flu sufferers ranging from one month to 85 years. Five pregnant woman were hospitalized.

Keep the following items in your home in the event of a major flu outbreak:

• Enough food and water per person to last a week or more.

• Items to relieve flu symptoms, including cold packs, blankets, humidifiers and fever and pain reducers.

• Personal items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper and cleaning products.

• Activities for you and your children, including books, crafts, board games and art supplies.

• Pet supplies including food, water and litter.

• Large trash bags, in case garbage service is disrupted.