As many of you know the World Health Organization declared a phase 6 Pandemic alert for the swine-flu virus. We should all take extra precautions at our seminars to help prevent the spread of this disease.

Influenza Illness Recommendations:
Persons who develop a flu-like illness should stay home and avoid contact with others until fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication. Persons who are at higher risk for complications from influenza, including pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and suppressed immune systems, should seek medical attention if they develop a flu-like illness.

Influenza Symptoms:
      Fever > 100° F
      Cough
      Sore throat
      Body aches
      Diarrhea/Vomiting
      Headache
      Sinus congestion/runny nose
 
Influenza-like-illness (ILI) diagnostic criteria include fever > 100º F and either cough or sore throat.

Preventing the Spread of Influenza:

   1.  Persons who develop a flu-like illness should stay home until fever-free for 24 hours.
   2.  Persons who become ill should avoid contact with other people as much as possible.
   3. Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or your arm sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Use the tissue only once then discard.
   4. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
   5. Get vaccinated for seasonal influenza.
   6. Get vaccinated for H1N1 Influenza when the vaccine is available.
      

 For more information about the disease:

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm

http://www.flu.gov/