Please Take Extra Precautions During the Holidays

countries with reported cases of the H1N1 - the larger the red circles, the more the reported cases

As of this date, 17/06/2009, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the H1N1 virus to be at Phase 6. This is a very serious phase (refer to diagram below).

"Phase 6, the pandemic phase, is characterized by community level outbreaks in at least one other country in a different WHO region in addition to the criteria defined in Phase 5. Designation of this phase will indicate that a global pandemic is under way."

extracted from http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/phase/en/index.html

So please take good care of yourself and take the necessary precautions as recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC);-

• 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.
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  
• Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
  
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
  
• Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

For more current updates, do visit the WHO website at http://www.who.int/en/ and let us all play a part in containing the outbreak by being socially responsible and vigilant.