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We are committed to the health and safety of our community and those who work here, so we are closely monitoring the situation as this flu season approaches.
Each week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United States and publishes findings of key flu indicators in a report called FluView.
During the week of October 4-10, 2009, a review of the key indicators found that influenza activity continued to increase in the United States from the previous week. Additional information can be found at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm.
At this time, we are asking everyone to follow basic guidelines for reducing the transmission of communicable diseases. These guidelines are found on the Center for Disease Control web site.
Everyday actions you 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. Person to person spread of influenza is thought to occur 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. An infected person may be contagious a day before symptoms first appear and 5-7 days after.
Most importantly, if you begin to experience any flu-like symptoms such as fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, muscle aches, and coughing, please check with your family doctor for advice and treatment. Some people with H1N1 flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
A 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine is being distributed by the L.A. County Health Department. Contact your doctor to determine if you are a candidate for the H1N1 vaccination.
Updates:
L.A. County Flu Updates
Metrolink Commuter Update
Greg Godfrey
EMS Section Battalion Chief
Glendale Fire Department
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