Chapter Urges Preparedness During H1N1 (Swine) Flu Outbreak

The recent documented cases of swine flu in several states across the U.S. and in a growing number of other countries may cause many people to wonder what they can do to better protect themselves right now.

As health experts around the world seek to better understand the scope and severity of the swine flu outbreak, this is a good time for individuals, families, businesses and organizations to review and update their emergency preparedness plans. Go to www.redcross.org for more information.

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.

• For general flu preparedness see the American Red Cross Flu Checklist

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

Up-to-the-minute updates on the swine flu can be found at the CDC Web site. People seeking information on human swine flu should visit the CDC Web site or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.