* Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
* Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

And finally, for people with diabetes, there's additional advice:

* Remember that being sick by itself can raise your blood glucose. Moreover, illness can prevent you from eating properly, which further affects blood glucose.
* People who come down with the flu may become disoriented and not think straight, and affect your ability to cope with your diabetes, even if you usually have things under excellent control.
* Be sure to continue taking your diabetes pills or insulin. Don't stop taking them even if you can't eat. Your health care provider may even advise you to take more insulin during sickness.
* Test your blood glucose frequently, perhaps every four hours, and keep track of the results.
* Drink extra (calorie-free) liquids, and try to eat as you normally would. If you can't, try to have soft foods and liquids containing the equivalent amount of carbohydrates that you usually consume.
* Weigh yourself every day. Losing weight without trying is a sign of high blood glucose and/or dehydration.
* Check your temperature every morning and evening. A fever may be a sign of infection.

Call your health care provider or go to an emergency room if any of the following happen to you:

* You feel too sick to eat normally and are unable to keep down food for more than 6 hours.
* You're having severe diarrhea.
* You lose 5 pounds or more.
* Your temperature is over 101 degrees F.
* Your blood glucose is lower than 60 mg/dL or remains over 300 mg/dL.
* You have moderate or large amounts of ketones in your urine.
* You're having trouble breathing.
* You feel sleepy or can't think clearly.

The H1N1 virus is a real risk for those of us with diabetes. For most of us, catching it will cause a week or so of misery, but it may cause more grief, so be aware, and be prepared. And get your flu shots!