Your Health & Swine Flu:

In response to the potential outbreak of the Swine Flu in the United States each of our hospitals is taking steps to insure that they are well prepared. Actions include taking an inventory of their stock of appropriate medications, reviewing policies and procedures for reporting of communicable diseases and educating staff on proper surveillance and isolation precautions. There are measures that you can take to insure the protection of your own health and the health of family and friends. We will continue to keep you posted as new information becomes available regarding the Swine Flu.

In the meantime, health officials say everyone should follow standard precautions to reduce the spread of any respiratory illness:

• If you're not feeling well, please do not visit patients in the hospital.
• 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 hand cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, stay home from work and seek medical care from your personal physician.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

For additional information, visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/swineflu or Lord Fairfax Health District at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/LHD/LordFairfax/.

You may also choose to check www.flu.gov and information about swine flu and pregnant women is available at cdc.gov/h1n1flu/clinician_pregnant.htm.