American Red Cross Offers Programs To prevent and prepare for Swine Flu

NEWTON, NJ,  May 1, 2009 — Washing hands and paying close attention to symptoms of illness are just some of the things the public can to do help reduce the risk from the swine flu (H1N1) outbreak, the American Red Cross said today.

"This is a serious situation that has the potential to spread, and it is a good time for families, businesses and organizations to follow good public health practices and to review and update their preparedness plans," said MaryAnn Maikisch, Resource Development Manager at the Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross. "Taking steps to prepare for potential emergencies in advance can go a long way in making families feel safer." 

The American Red Cross urges the public to remember these simple actions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers 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 close contact with people who are sick and stay home if you are feeling sick.

Your local Red Cross offers a free presentation on pandemic flu. The presentation provides audiences with the knowledge they need to prepare for a flu pandemic and steps they can take to help prevent the spread of pandemic flu.

Children can also be greatly impacted by this outbreak, and need to know how to properly wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs. The Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross has a program called “Scrubby Bear” to help educate children about the importance of hand washing to protect them against influenza. Scrubby Bear is a free program offered to daycare centers and preschools. To schedule the Pandemic Flu Presentation for your club, group or organization at your facility or to schedule a presentation of “Scrubby Bear”, contact the American Red Cross at 973-579-1600.

The American Red Cross is a non-profit organization that shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The American Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission.