To Community Members,
The following information has been forwarded to me in reference to the A (H1N1) Flu (or “Swine” Flu) outbreaks. These precautionary strategies are information provided to the City of Atlanta by the Department of Homeland Security and Dr. Samantha Williams from The Center for Disease Control Infected Vulnerable Population Unit.
I will continue to provide information about the outbreak as soon as information comes available.
For additional information and questions, please visit the CDC site (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/) and/or contact the CDC Hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO. Information is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Below, please find an email from Dr. Williams that I hope you will find informative.
If you cannot view the attachments please contact my office at 404-330-6035.
Sincerely,
Joyce M. Sheperd
I am sure many of you have heard some information on the media about the Swine Flu outbreak. We would like to give you some additional information and links for you to refer to and get updates as they are posted. We encourage you to share these links and information with others as well.
Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the U.S. in San Diego County and Imperial County, California as well as in San Antonio, Texas. Internationally, human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in Mexico.
Please know that CDC is working closely with Federal, State, local and community partners to address these issues and the potential impact your communities.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. There are many things you can to do preventing getting and spreading influenza:
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Read additional information to aid in the protection against the spread of Pandemic Influenza at http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/familyguide.html.
For more information on how you can protect yourself and your family, please visit the following websites:
Preparing for a Pandemic
Are You Ready Shopping List
One of the first steps in planning for a pandemic or other public health emergency is making sure you and your family, including pets, has a two-week supply of food, water and medication. It may be very difficult to get to a store or the stores may be out of supplies, so it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. The Office of Health and Safety has prepared a sample shopping list that you can use a guide to prepare yourself and your family.
The American Red Cross and CDC have teamed up. Please visit the following website for information. http://www.redcross.org/preparedness/cdc_english/home.asp
Please find important links:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/investigation.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/index.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/recommendations.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/investigation.htm
MMWR Update: Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Infections --- California and Texas, April 2009
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm58d0424a1.htm?s_cid=mm58d0424a1_e
Samantha P. Williams, Ph.D.
Research Psychologist
CDC/NCHHSTP/DSTDP
Other Documents: