Statement of U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek on H1N1 Flu

 

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek issued the following statement regarding the H1N1 flu and relevant resources to help keep constituents healthy and to prevent the flu from spreading throughout Florida:

"As both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu continue to spread throughout Florida and specifically the 17th Congressional District, I would like to remind all Floridians to take common-sense and practical steps to safeguard themselves and their families from the flu strains. Staying informed is key to staying healthy. As always, prevention is the first line of defense.

"My main concern is providing accurate and practical information on how to avoid contracting the H1N1 flu virus. To this end, please adhere to the following recommendations in your everyday activities:

Practice good hygiene to stop the spread of germs.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water;
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze;
• Throw used tissues into a waste basket;
• and, clean your hands after coughing or sneezing.

Get vaccinated.

•  Vaccination is the best protection against contracting the flu. You need two vaccines to be fully protected this year. The seasonal flu vaccine is different from the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is encouraging people to get both vaccinations.

Precautions to take if you are diagnosed with the flu:

• Stay home, follow your doctor's orders, and watch for signs that require immediate medical attention. Remain at home for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free (no fever) for 24 hours, whichever is longer.
• Avoid close contact with others, especially those who might easily get the flu, such as people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, young children, and infants.
• Get plenty of rest;
• Drink clear fluids such as water, broth, sports drinks, or electrolyte beverages made for infants to prevent becoming dehydrated;
•  Cover coughs and sneezes;
• and, clean hands regularly with soap and water."

If you have any further questions, please visit www.FLU.gov for the latest information on H1N1 and the seasonal flu. Additionally, please utilize and share the following toolkits with your family, friends and coworkers:

 Preparing for the Flu:  A Toolkit for Businesses and Employers
http://www.flu.gov/professional/business/toolkit.pdf

Preparing for the Flu:  A Toolkit for Small Businesses
http://www.flu.gov/professional/business/smallbiz.pdf

Preparing for the Flu:  A Toolkit for Institutions of Higher Education
http://www.flu.gov/professional/school/higheredtoolkit.pdf

Preparing for the Flu:  A Toolkit for K-12 Schools
http://www.flu.gov/professional/school/schoolflutoolkit.pdf

Preparing for the Flu:  A Toolkit for Child Care and Early Childhood Programs
http://www.flu.gov/professional/school/childtoolkit.pdf

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Florida Democrat sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means.

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