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10.19.2009 Get informed on H1N1 and avoid the flu this season
A recent poll on the H1N1 flu conducted by the American Red Cross found that more Americans are taking or planning on taking extra measures to cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue (78 percent) or wash their hands more carefully (76 percent) to avoid getting the flu.
The survey also found that 62 percent plan on being vaccinated against this new flu virus if one is offered.
While only 1 in 10 of those surveyed by the Red Cross claimed to be very worried about H1N1 flu (swine flu), results show people have a strong interest in taking protective actions.
The survey found that 93 percent of Americans are taking or planning to take at least one action to guard against this new flu. Nearly half of those surveyed (46 percent) plan on assembling a two-week supply of food, water and medicine that they might need in the event they or someone in their family becomes sick and need to stay home for extended periods of time.
“Even though most Americans aren’t extremely worried about the virus, they seem interested in taking steps to protect themselves and their families,” said Pamela Jefsen, CEO of the Greater Carolinas Chapter. “Taking those basic steps—such as washing your hands more frequently and remaining at home if you are sick become even more important as the new flu season approaches.”
The survey results also found that women are more likely to take protective actions, with 84 percent making an extra effort to cover coughs and sneezes (versus 71 percent for men), and 81 percent washing their hands more carefully and more often (compared to 71 percent for men).
However, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating that a vaccine may not be available until later this fall, the Red Cross is urging people to remember these simple actions to help guard against the flu:
- Take the Red Cross Pandemic Preparedness Course
- Download our Seasonal Flu Checklist
- Parents should review flu plans at their children’s schools and day care centers.
- Employees should ask about work policies on tele-working or staying home when a relative is sick with the flu or a child’s school is closed.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with tissues when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
- Minimize contact with people who are sick as much as possible, and stay home when you are sick.
- Get flu shots for both seasonal flu and H1N1. Get the seasonal flu shot early. Groups at the highest risk for contracting H1N1 should get vaccinated as soon as shots become available.
- Stock homes with extra food, water and supplies to reduce the need to go out in public when taking care of a sick loved one or if schools and businesses have temporarily closed due to widespread outbreak.
- The Red Cross recommends storing the following supplies: a two-week supply of food, water, prescription and non-prescription medications, and health and cleaning supplies such as soap, tissues, thermometers, bleach and hand sanitizer. Water should be in clean plastic containers and hold a gallon of water per person per day. Household preparation steps should also include baby supplies, food for special nutritional needs, copies of important personal documents, extra pet food and cash.
The need for blood does not go away during a flu pandemic. As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is prepared to take necessary steps to ensure blood remains available to those in need. Additional precautions will be installed when the CDC or other public health agencies advise of the need.
The Red Cross will continue to work with federal and state officials to address the H1N1 virus.
More flu and preparedness information can be found at the federal government’s flu.gov website or by going to redcross.org.