APRIL 28, 2009 -- While no cases of this novel flu virus have yet been diagnosed in Tennessee, the Department of Health is working closely with federal, state and local governments to prepare to respond to the outbreak. In fact, the state of Tennessee prepares continually and has a thorough plan in place to respond to potential public health threats. The Tennessee Department of Health has nationally known medical experts who are trained to implement any state-level effort necessary to ensure health and well-being of Tennesseans.
The Department of Health has increased its level of activity, which you may hear referred to as conducting surveillance, to determine if any individuals in Tennessee have this strain of the influenza virus. The department is also collaborating with U.S. Health and Human Services to ensure that Tennessee has adequate medical supplies and necessary medications on hand, should they be needed.
This situation is naturally a source of concern, but should not be cause for alarm. As public health officials utilize the comprehensive planning and training that’s been done to prepare for public health threats of this nature, there are steps you can take now to protect your health and prevent the spread of both seasonal flu and this novel flu virus:
- 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.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Health are excellent sources of facts that are updated frequently.
Department of Health Web site: http://health.state.tn.us/swineflu.htm
CDC Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.
Note that the Frequently Asked Questions page on the CDC Web site includes detailed information on the symptoms, spread and treatment of this flu virus: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
You may also call your primary care provider or county health department if you have further questions. As new information becomes available, these resources will be updated and we will also keep you informed if there is new information we can share.
