As you
know, there are reported cases of H1N1 (swine) flu in the United States and in
Texas. As serious as swine flu is, there
is no vaccine available to prevent it at this time. There is no conclusive proof that the
seasonal influenza vaccine is an effective measure against swine flu.
The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following precautions:
Avoid close contact
Avoid close contact with people who are
sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from
getting sick too.
Stay home when you are sick
If possible, stay home from work,
school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from
catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue
when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Clean your hands
Washing your hands often will help
protect you from germs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Germs are often spread when a person
touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her
eyes, nose, or mouth.
Practice other good health habits
Get plenty of sleep, be physically
active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
More Information
CDC swine flu information
National Influenza Vaccine Summit website
Texas public health officials and Harris
County and City of Houston health departments
For suspect/possible swine flu cases, providers should contact their
local public health department or the above Provider Hotline phone number.
Swine
Flu Resources and Flyers
Harris County Public Health
and Environmental Services (HCPHES) has developed some printed
materials to assist our community with questions they might have
regarding swine influenza. These documents
have similar information though customized for different
audiences. Flyers targeting hand washing for kids, hand washing in
daycares, information about anti-virals and social distancing are issues
covered in these resources.
Additional resources available from the Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services.
Informational Flyers
