CDC Continues Aggressive Action Against H1N1 Flu

A News & Events entry posted on May 4, 2009

CDC continues to take aggressive action to respond to an expanding outbreak caused by novel H1N1 flu.

CDC’s response goals are to:
Reduce transmission and illness severity, and
Provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this emergency.

CDC continues to issue and update interim guidance daily in response to the rapidly evolving situation. CDC will issue updated interim guidance for clinicians on how to identify and care for people who are sick with novel H1N1 flu illness. This guidance will provide priorities for testing and treatment for novel H1N1 flu infection. The priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during this outbreak will be to treat people with severe flu illness.

On May 3, CDC is scheduled to complete deployment of 25 percent of the supplies in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to all states in the continental United States. These supplies and medicines will help states and U.S. territories respond to the outbreak. In addition, the Federal Government and manufacturers have begun the process of developing a vaccine against the novel H1N1 flu virus.

Response actions are aggressive, but they may vary across states and communities depending on local circumstances. Communities, businesses, places of worship, schools and individuals can all take action to slow the spread of this outbreak. People who are sick are urged to stay home from work or school and to avoid contact with others, except to seek medical care. This action can avoid spreading illness further.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

- Stay informed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention H1N1 Influenza Website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.

- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

- Take everyday actions 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.

- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

- Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.

Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.

For up to date information on H1N1 Influenza visit the following websites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention H1N1 Influenza Website

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention H1N1 Influenza General Information Website

Virginia Department of Health

World Health Organization