Flu Prep
Sep 9th, 2009 by David Anderson
Your state government wants you to be prepared for the flu season especially with the possibility of two strains floating around at the time.
Officials urged Delawareans to take common-sense steps, such as washing their hands and covering the mouths when coughing, to prevent contraction and spread of the flu. Delawareans are also urged to stay home from work or school when sick.
The Division of Public is preparing to have additional flu clinics open this season to provide traditional flu vaccines as well as targeted vaccines from H1N1, and will be working with medical providers schools to increase the public’s awareness.
“By staying informed, and by being vaccinated if you are so advised, you will help protect the health of our entire state,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the Division of Public Health.
Secretary of Education Lillian Lowery said the Department is working to get out messages to parents and staff regarding ways to avoid getting the flu or sharing it with others. Those include practicing healthy habits (sleep, nutrition, etc.), practicing good respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene and not sending children to school if they have a fever or other symptoms of being ill.
The Department of Education and the Division of Public Health are working on plans now for the voluntary vaccination of school children, who are at risk for the H1N1 virus.
“Schools want to help students and families to be safe. The Department of Education and all of our 200-plus schools will continue to collaborate with state agencies, school communities, families and children to do what is best for kids,” Lowery said.
I am all for voluntary, common-sense methods for protecting people from the flu. I am glad that at least so far it doesn’t appear that they are mandating anything in Delaware.