Consortium makes preparations in case of swine flu outbreak

SITKA - While there so far have been no cases of the H1N1 (swine) flu in Alaska, the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium is making preparations in case there is an outbreak within Southeast Alaska.

SEARHC staff is in daily contact with the State of Alaska Division of Epidemiology and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep updated on the current situation. SEARHC is continually monitoring and testing to see if any of our patients are developing the symptoms of the H1N1 (swine) flu.

If you have any flu symptoms - fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea - contact your local health provider to see if flu testing or treatment is needed. If you are sick, stay home (except to go to the clinic). Do not go to work or school, and avoid public activities for at least five days (seven for children) to keep from spreading the flu to others.

Here are some ways to prevent the spread of airborne diseases such as the flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren't available.

• Use a tissue to cover your mouth when you are coughing or sneezing, and promptly throw the tissue into a waste basket when you are done.

• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow instead of into your hands if you don't have a tissue.

• Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer after coughing or sneezing.

• Use sanitary wipes to clean surfaces where germs gather, such as computer keyboards, telephones, light switches and stairway banisters.

Updated information on the flu can be found at the state site, www.pandemicflu.alaska.gov or the national site, www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.