The American Red Cross is monitoring the developing situation with this swine flu (H1N1 flu) outbreak and is in close contact with federal, state and local officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security.
Common sense basic public health practices should be followed. These include covering your cough/sneeze with a tissue, frequent hand-washing, visiting a doctor for flu-like symptoms and staying home when sick.
Now is a good time for families, businesses and organizations to follow good public health practices and to review and update their preparedness plans.Stocking extra food, water and supplies at home will reduce the need to go out should this swine flu strain become more widespread and schools or businesses temporarily close.
The Red Cross recommends storing a two-week supply of food, water and household necessities such as laundry detergent and toilet paper. A gallon of water per person per day should be stored in clean plastic containers. Family preparation steps should also include storing formula for infants, food for special nutritional needs, essential medicines and medical items, and extra food for pets.
Stay Healthy The Red Cross and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are offering the following tips to ensure you stay healthy:
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective when soap and water aren’t available.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Influenza (flu) is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing.
If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Consult your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms of the flu, such as:
Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Body aches
Headache
Chills
Extreme tiredness
Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Please contact your healthcare provider for directions on how they wish you to enter their office or if you need to be directed to a separate health care facility.
•
del.icio.us
digg
facebook
E-mail this article to a friend (requires login).
