Flu Awareness and Preparation

Being in South Florida, we tend to think more about sun burns than Flu.  Unfortunately, this year Novel influenza (H1N1, formerly Swine Flu) has put a damper on some of our outdoor fun.  As of June 11, 2009, the World health organization (WHO) raised the Pandemic alert to a Phase 6 designation, indicating that a global pandemic is underway.

Please continue to take precautions in controlling the spread of all germs: Stay informed. Health officials will provide additional information as it becomes available. Visit the CDC H1N1 Flu website.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.  If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with a flu-like illness, please DO NOT COME TO WORK OR CLASS.  Stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Keep away from other household members as much as possible. This is to keep you from infecting others and spreading the virus further. (www.CDC.gov)
•  In most cases individuals with H1N1 flu with recover without medical intervention.  If you suffer from a chronic illness such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes or an auto immune disease, you should contact your health care provider upon the onset of symptoms.

For more information regarding H1N1 flu please go to http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm