[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-Fight the Flu

[Press Releases]

The following press release is now available online at:
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Health/Documents/fighttheflu9-8-09.pdf 
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2009
Contact:
Geni Alexander, Public Information Officer
573.874.7632
 
Health Department Launches Flu Information Website 
Citizens Encouraged to “Fight The Flu”
 
In partnership with local public health agencies across Missouri,
Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services
announces the launch of a new campaign called “Fight the Flu”.  
 
“This grassroots campaign developed by local public health agencies
across Missouri encourages residents to work together to help protect
our families and our communities against all types of flu, including
H1N1” says director Stephanie Browning.
 
As flu season approaches and H1N1 influenza continues to spread across
the state, community members are urged to follow tips to protect
themselves, their families and their community.
 
Protect Yourself get a seasonal flu shot, 
wash your hands, 
keep a distance of at least 6 feet from people who are sick, and 
choose a healthy lifestyle to build your immune system, including 
get adequate sleep, 
reduce stress, 
stop smoking and using tobacco products, 
stay physically active, 
choose nutritious foods, and 
drink plenty of water. 

 
Protect Your Family get your family vaccinated against seasonal flu, 
establish healthy practices of hand washing and not sharing personal
items, 
stockpile enough food, water and medication to last at least seven days
in case you need to voluntarily isolate or quarantine yourself and your
family, 
make arrangements for child care if schools close, and 
talk to your employer about flexible work options. 

 
Protect Your Community stay home if you are sick, 
keep kids home when they are sick (for at least 24 hours after their
fever goes away without the use of medication), 
cover your sneeze and cough with a disposable tissue or the crook of
your arm, 
wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and 
don’t share personal items like drinks, silverware or toothbrushes. 

 
Printable materials, fact sheets, links to local public health agencies
and other information can be found on the campaign website at
www.figththefluMO.com ( http://www.figththeflumo.com/ ). In addition,
residents can receive updates using the following tools:Twitter account
at www.twitter.com/fightthefluMO 
Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/pages/FighttheFluMo-Campaign/125270083116.  

 
Instructional videos on how to properly wash your hands, how to cover
your cough and other pieces will be posted on the campaign’s YouTube
account at www.youtube.com/fightthefluMO, and questions can be submitted
and surveys filled out on the campaign’s blog at
http://fightthefluMO.blogspot.com.
 
“We need each member of our community to join in this effort to fight
the flu this fall,” adds Browning.  “We know seasonal flu is coming. We
expect to see H1N1 circulating as well, and we must work together to
slow the spread of flu in our community.”
 
The website will be continually updated throughout flu season.
Residents are encouraged to check back often for the most up-to-date
information. For more information, please contact the Columbia/Boone
County Department of Public Health and Human Services at 573.874.7632.
 
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